Compositions comprising fluoroolefins and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to fluoroolefin compositions. The fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention are useful as refrigerants or heat transfer fluids and in processes for producing cooling or heat. Additionally, the fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention may be used to replace currently used refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions that have higher global warming potential.

CROSS REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/732,581, filed Nov. 1, 2005 and of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/486,791, filed Jul. 13, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises at least one fluoroolefin. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing refrigeration or heat, as heat transfer fluids and many other uses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The refrigeration industry has been working for the past few decades to find replacement refrigerants for the ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) being phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. The solution for most refrigerant producers has been the commercialization of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The new HFC refrigerants, HFC-134a being the most widely used at this time, have zero ozone depletion potential and thus are not affected by the current regulatory phase out as a result of the Montreal Protocol.

Further environmental regulations may ultimately cause global phase out of certain HFC refrigerants. Currently, the automobile industry is facing regulations relating to global warming potential for refrigerants used in mobile air-conditioning. Therefore, there is a great current need to identify new refrigerants with reduced global warming potential for the mobile air-conditioning market. Should the regulations be more broadly applied in the future, an even greater need will be felt for refrigerants that can be used in all areas of the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.

Currently proposed replacement refrigerants for HFC-134a include HFC-152a, pure hydrocarbons such as butane or propane, or “natural” refrigerants such as CO₂. Many of these suggested replacements are toxic, flammable, and/or have low energy efficiency. Therefore, new alternative refrigerants are being sought.

The object of the present invention is to provide novel refrigerant compositions and heat transfer fluid compositions that provide unique characteristics to meet the demands of low or zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming potential as compared to current refrigerants.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (i) fluoroolefins of the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹         and R² are, independently, C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl groups, and         wherein the total number of carbons in the compound is at least         5;     -   (ii) cyclic fluoroolefins of the formula         cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)—], wherein X, Y, Z, and W, independently,         are H or F, and n is an integer from 2 to 5; and     -   (iii) fluoroolefins selected from the group consisting of:         2,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CH₂);         1,1,2-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₃CF═CF₂); 1,2,3-trifluoro-1-propene         (CH₂FCF═CF₂); 1,1,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCH═CF₂);         1,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CHF);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCF₃);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene ((CF₃)₂C═CHF);         1,1,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CH₂F);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCH₂F);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CH═CH₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CFCF₃);         2,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CHCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CF₂═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2-(difluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)(CF₃));         2,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCH₂CF₃);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCHFCF₃);         1,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,1-difluoro-2-(difluoromethyl)-1-propene (CF₂═C(CHF₂)(CH₃));         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CHF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         3,3-difluoro-2-(difluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)₂);         1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCH₃);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-1-pentene (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CHF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CHF₂); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CFCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,2,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CF₃CH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF(CF₃)₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         ((CF₃)₂CFCH═CH₂); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CH₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃CF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₂FCH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₃CF═C(CF₃)₂); 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCH₃); 3,4,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃C(CH₃)═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CHFCF₃); 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-1-hexene (CF₃(CF₂)₃CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHC₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂);         4,4,4-trifluoro-3,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CHC(CF₃)₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3-methyl-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CH₃)(CF₃));         2,3,3,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═C(CH₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CHCH(CF₃)₂); 3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-octafluoro1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₂CH₃);         4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂C₂F₅);         3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂C(CH₃)═CH₂); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CHCH₃); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF₂C₂F₅); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4-heptafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFC₂H₅);         4,5,5,5-tetrafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCH(CF₃)(CH₃));         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CFC₂H₅);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CH═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCF₂C₂F₅); CF₂═CFOCF₂CF₃ (PEVE) and CF₂═CFOCF₃         (PMVE).

The present invention further relates to a composition comprising: (i) at least one fluoroolefin compound; and (ii) at least one flammable refrigerant; wherein said fluoroolefin is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (a) fluoroolefins of the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹         and R² are, independently, C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl groups;     -   (b) cyclic fluoroolefins of the formula cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)—],         wherein X, Y, Z, and W, independently, are H or F, and n is an         integer from 2 to 5; and     -   (c) fluoroolefins selected from the group consisting of:         1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CHF);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCF₃);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene ((CF₃)₂C═CHF);         1,1,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CH₂F);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-1-pentene (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CHF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CHF₂); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CFCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,2,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CFCH(CF₃) 2);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CF₃CH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF(CF₃)₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         ((CF₃)₂CFCH═CH₂); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CH₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃CF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₂FCH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₃CF═C(CF₃)₂); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃(CF₂)₃CF═CF₂); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHC₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂);         4,4,4-trifluoro-3,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CHC(CF₃)₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3-methyl-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CH₃)(CF₃));         2,3,3,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═C(CH₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CH═CFCF₂C₂F₅); and         1,1,1,2,2,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCF₂C₂F₅).

The present invention further relates to a method of using a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition in refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising introducing said composition into said apparatus having (a) centrifugal compressor; (b) multi-stage centrifugal compressor, or (c) single slab/single pass heat exchanger; wherein said refrigerant or heat transfer composition is employed in said apparatus to result in heating or cooling; and wherein said refrigerant or heat transfer composition comprises at least one fluoroolefin selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (i) fluoroolefins of the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹         and R² are, independently, C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl groups;     -   (ii) cyclic fluoroolefins of the formula         cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)—], wherein X, Y, Z, and W, independently,         are H or F, and n is an integer from 2 to 5; or     -   (iii) fluoroolefins selected from the group consisting of:         1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CHF);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CF₂);         1,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CHF);         2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CHF);         1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCF═CF₂);         1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CF₂);         2,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CH₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CH₂); 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-propene         (CH₃CF═CF₂); 1,1,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCH═CF₂);         1,2,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCF═CHF);         1,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CHF);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene(CF₃CF═CFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCF₃);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene ((CF₃)₂C═CHF);         1,1,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CH₂F);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCH₂F);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CH═CH₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CFCF₃);         2,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CHCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CF₂═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2-(difluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)(CF₃));         2,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCH₂CF₃);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCHFCF₃);         1,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,1-difluoro-2-(difluoromethyl)-1-propene (CF₂═C(CHF₂)(CH₃));         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CHF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2-difluoromethyl-3,3-difluoro-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)₂);         1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCH₃);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-1-pentene (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CHF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CHF₂); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CFCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,2,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CF₃CH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF(CF₃)₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         ((CF₃)₂CFCH═CH₂); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CH₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃CF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₂FCH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₃CF═C(CF₃)₂); 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCH₃); 3,4,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃C(CH₃)═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CHFCF₃); 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-1-hexene (CF₃(CF₂)₃CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHC₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂);         4,4,4-trifluoro-3,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CHC(CF₃)₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CH₃)(CF₃));         2,3,3,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═C(CH₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CHCH(CF₃)₂); 3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₂CH₃);         4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂C₂F₅);         3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂C(CH₃)═CH₂); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CHCH₃); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF₂C₂F₅); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4-heptafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFC₂H₅);         4,5,5,5-tetrafluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCH(CF₃)(CH₃));         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CFC₂H₅);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CH═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCF₂C₂F₅); CF₂═CFOCF₂CF₃ (PEVE); CF₂═CFOCF₃ (PMVE)         and combinations thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin. By fluoroolefin is meant any compound containing carbon, fluorine and optionally, hydrogen or oxygen that also contains at least one double bond. These fluoroolefins may be linear, branched or cyclic.

These compositions have a variety of utilities in working fluids, which include use as foaming agents, blowing agents, fire extinguishing agents, heat transfer mediums (such as heat transfer fluids and refrigerants for use in refrigeration systems, refrigerators, air-conditioning systems, heat pumps, chillers, and the like), to name a few.

A heat transfer fluid (also referred to herein as a heat transfer composition or heat transfer fluid composition) is a working fluid used to carry heat from a heat source to a heat sink.

A refrigerant is a compound or mixture of compounds that function as a heat transfer fluid in a cycle wherein the fluid undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a gas and back.

The present invention provides fluoroolefins having the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR² (Formula I), wherein R¹ and R² are, independently, C₁ to C perfluoroalkyl groups. Examples of R¹ and R² groups include, but are not limited to, CF₃, C₂F₅, CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF(CF₃)₂, CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF(CF₃)CF₂CF₃, CF₂CF(CF₃)₂, C(CF₃)₃, CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF₂CF₂CF(CF₃)₂, C(CF₃)₂C₂F₅, CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF(CF₃) CF₂CF₂C₂F₅, and C(CF₃)₂CF₂C₂F₅. In one embodiment the fluoroolefins of Formula I, have at least about 3 carbon atoms in the molecule. In another embodiment, the fluoroolefins of Formula I have at least about 4 carbon atoms in the molecule. In yet another embodiment, the fluoroolefins of Formula I have at least about 5 carbon atoms in the molecule. Exemplary, non-limiting Formula I compounds are presented in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Code Structure Chemical Name F11E CF₃CH═CHCF₃ 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene F12E CF₃CH═CHC₂F₅ 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-pentene F13E CF₃CH═CHCF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-2-hexene F13iE CF₃CH═CHCF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene F22E C₂F₅CH═CHC₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-3-hexene F14E CF₃CH═CH(CF₂)₃CF₃ 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-dodecafluoro-2-heptene F14iE CF₃CH═CHCF₂CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,4,4,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2- hexene F14sE CF₃CH═CHCF(CF₃)C₂F₅ 1,1,1,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonfluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-hexene F14tE CF₃CH═CHC(CF₃)₃ 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2- pentene F23E C₂F₅CH═CHCF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-dodecafluoro-3-heptene F23iE C₂F₅CH═CHCF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,2,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3- hexene F15E CF₃CH═CH(CF₂)₄CF₃ 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tetradecafluoro-2-octene F15iE CF₃CH═CH—CF₂CF₂CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,7,7,7-undecafluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-2- heptene F15tE CF₃CH═CH—C(CF₃)₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,5,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2- hexene F24E C₂F₅CH═CH(CF₂)₃CF₃ 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tetradecafluoro-3-octene F24iE C₂F₅CH═CHCF₂CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,7,7,7-undecafluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3- heptene F24sE C₂F₅CH═CHCF(CF₃)C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,5,6,6,7,7,7-undecafluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3- heptene F24tE C₂F₅CH═CHC(CF₃)₃ 1,1,1,2,2,6,6,6-octafluoro-5,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3- hexene F33E C₂F₅CF₂CH═CHCF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tetradecafluoro-4-octene F3i3iE (CF₃)₂CFCH═CHCF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3- hexene F33iE C₂F₅CF₂CH═CHCF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-undecafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3- heptene F16E CF₃CH═CH(CF₂)₅CF₃ 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8, ,9,9,9-hexadecafluoro-2- nonene F16sE CF₃CH═CHCF(CF₃)(CF₂)₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)-2-heptene F16tE CF₃CH═CHC(CF₃)₂CF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,6,6,6-octafluoro-4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-heptene F25E C₂F₅CH═CH(CF₂)₄CF₃ 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,9-hexadecafluoro-3- nonene F25iE C₂F₅CH═CH—CF₂CF₂CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro-7- (trifluoromethyl)-3-octene F25tE C₂F₅CH═CH—C(CF₃)₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,6,6,7,7,7-decafluoro-5,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3- heptene F34E C₂F₅CF₂CH═CH—(CF₂)₃CF₃ 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,9-hexadecafluoro-4- nonene F34iE C₂F₅CF₂CH═CH—CF₂CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,6,6,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro-7- (trifluoromethyl)-4-octene F34sE C₂F₅CF₂CH═CHCF(CF₃)C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro-6- (trifluoromethyl)-4-octene F34tE C₂F₅CF₂CH═CHC(CF₃)₃ 1,1,1,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-decafluoro-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3- heptene F3i4E (CF₃)₂CFCH═CH(CF₂)₃CF₃ 1,1,1,2,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro-2(trifluoromethyl)- 3-octene F3i4iE (CF₃)₂CFCH═CHCF₂CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,5,5,6,7,7,7-decafluoro-2,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3- heptene F3i4sE (CF₃)₂CFCH═CHCF(CF₃)C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,5,6,6,7,7,7-decafluoro-2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3- heptene F3i4tE (CF₃)₂CFCH═CHC(CF₃)₃ 1,1,1,2,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2,5,5-tris(trifluoromethyl)-3- hexene F26E C₂F₅CH═CH(CF₂)₅CF₃ 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-octadecafluoro-3- decene F26sE C₂F₅CH═CHCF(CF₃)(CF₂)₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,9-pentadecafluoro-5- (trifluoromethyl)-3-nonene F26tE C₂F₅CH═CHC(CF₃)₂—CF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-dodecafluoro-5,5- bis(trifluoromethyl)-3-octene F35E C₂F₅CF₂CH═CH—(CF₂)₄CF₃ 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-octadecafluoro-4- decene F35iE C₂F₅CF₂CH═CHCF₂CF₂—CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,6,6,7,7,8,9,9,9-pentadecafluoro-8- (trifluoromethyl)-4-nonene F35tE C₂F₅CF₂CH═CH—C(CF₃)₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,7,7,8,8,8-dodecafluoro-6,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-octene F3i5E (CF₃)₂CFCH═CH—(CF₂)₄CF₃ 1,1,1,2,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,9-pentadecafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-3-nonene F3i5iE (CF₃)₂CFCH═CHCF₂CF₂—CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,5,5,6,6,7,8,8,8-dodecafluoro-2,7- bis(trifluoromethyl-3-octene F3i5tE (CF₃)₂CFCH═CHC(CF₃)₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,6,6,7,7,7-nonafluoro-2,5,5-tris(trifluoromethyl)- 3-heptene F44E CF₃(CF₂)₃CH═CH(CF₂)₃CF₃ 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-octadecafluoro-5- decene F44iE CF₃(CF₂)₃CH═CH—CF₂CF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,3,3,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,9-pentadecafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-4-nonene F44sE CF₃(CF₂)₃CH═CHCF(CF₃)C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,3,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,9-pentadecafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-4-nonene F44tE CF₃(CF₂)₃CH═CHC(CF₃)₃ 1,1,1,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-dodecafluoro-2,2,- bis(trifluoromethyl)-3-octene F4i4iE (CF₃)₂CFCF₂CH═CHCF₂CF—(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,2,3,3,6,6,7,8,8,8-dodecafluoro-2,7- bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-octene F4i4sE (CF₃)₂CFCF₂CH═CHCF(CF₃)—C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,3,3,6,7,7,8,8,8-dodecafluoro-2,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-octene F4i4tE (CF₃)₂CFCF₂CH═CHC(CF₃)₃ 1,1,1,5,5,6,7,7,7-nonafluoro-2,2,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)- 3-heptene F4s4sE C₂F₅CF(CF₃)CH═CH—CF(CF₃)C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,3,6,7,7,8,8,8-dodecafluoro-3,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-octene F4s4tE C₂F₅CF(CF₃)CH═CH—C(CF₃)₃ 1,1,1,5,6,6,7,7,7-nonafluoro-2,2,5-tris(trifluoromethyl)- 3-heptene F4t4tE (CF₃)₃CCH═CH—C(CF₃)₃ 1,1,1,6,6,6-hexafluoro-2,2,5,5-tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)- 3-hexene

Compounds of Formula I may be prepared by contacting a perfluoroalkyl iodide of the formula R¹I with a perfluoroalkyltrihydroolefin of the formula R²CH═CH₂ to form a trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane of the formula R¹CH₂CHIR². This trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane can then be dehydroiodinated to form R¹CH═CHR². Alternatively, the olefin R¹CH═CHR² may be prepared by dehydroiodination of a trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane of the formula R¹CHICH₂R² formed in turn by reacting a perfluoroalkyl iodide of the formula R²I with a perfluoroalkyltrihydroolefin of the formula R¹CH═CH₂.

Said contacting of a perfluoroalkyl iodide with a perfluoroalkyltrihydroolefin may take place in batch mode by combining the reactants in a suitable reaction vessel capable of operating under the autogenous pressure of the reactants and products at reaction temperature. Suitable reaction vessels include fabricated from stainless steels, in particular of the austenitic type, and the well-known high nickel alloys such as Monel® nickel-copper alloys, Hastelloy® nickel based alloys and Inconel® nickel-chromium alloys.

Alternatively, the reaction may take be conducted in semi-batch mode in which the perfluoroalkyltrihydroolefin reactant is added to the perfluoroalkyl iodide reactant by means of a suitable addition apparatus such as a pump at the reaction temperature.

The ratio of perfluoroalkyl iodide to perfluoroalkyltrihydroolefin should be between about 1:1 to about 4:1, preferably from about 1.5:1 to 2.5:1. Ratios less than 1.5:1 tend to result in large amounts of the 2:1 adduct as reported by Jeanneaux, et. al. in Journal of Fluorine Chemistry, Vol. 4, pages 261-270 (1974).

Preferred temperatures for contacting of said perfluoroalkyl iodide with said perfluoroalkyltrihydroolefin are preferably within the range of about 150° C. to 300° C., preferably from about 170° C. to about 250° C., and most preferably from about 180° C. to about 230° C.

Suitable contact times for the reaction of the perfluoroalkyl iodide with the perfluoroalkyltrihydroolefin are from about 0.5 hour to 18 hours, preferably from about 4 to about 12 hours.

The trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane prepared by reaction of the perfluoroalkyl iodide with the perfluoroalkyltrihydroolefin may be used directly in the dehydroiodination step or may preferably be recovered and purified by distillation prior to the dehydroiodination step.

The dehydroiodination step is carried out by contacting the trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane with a basic substance. Suitable basic substances include alkali metal hydroxides (e.g., sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), alkali metal oxide (for example, sodium oxide), alkaline earth metal hydroxides (e.g., calcium hydroxide), alkaline earth metal oxides (e.g., calcium oxide), alkali metal alkoxides (e.g., sodium methoxide or sodium ethoxide), aqueous ammonia, sodium amide, or mixtures of basic substances such as soda lime. Preferred basic substances are sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

Said contacting of the trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane with a basic substance may take place in the liquid phase preferably in the presence of a solvent capable of dissolving at least a portion of both reactants. Solvents suitable for the dehydroiodination step include one or more polar organic solvents such as alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, and tertiary butanol), nitriles (e.g., acetonitrile, propionitrile, butyronitrile, benzonitrile, or adiponitrile), dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, or sulfolane. The choice of solvent may depend on the boiling point product and the ease of separation of traces of the solvent from the product during purification. Typically, ethanol or isopropanol are good solvents for the reaction.

Typically, the dehydroiodination reaction may be carried out by addition of one of the reactants (either the basic substance or the trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane) to the other reactant in a suitable reaction vessel. Said reaction may be fabricated from glass, ceramic, or metal and is preferably agitated with an impeller or stirring mechanism.

Temperatures suitable for the dehydroiodination reaction are from about 10° C. to about 100° C., preferably from about 20° C. to about 70° C. The dehydroiodination reaction may be carried out at ambient pressure or at reduced or elevated pressure. Of note are dehydroiodination reactions in which the compound of Formula I is distilled out of the reaction vessel as it is formed.

Alternatively, the dehydroiodination reaction may be conducted by contacting an aqueous solution of said basic substance with a solution of the trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane in one or more organic solvents of lower polarity such as an alkane (e.g., hexane, heptane, or octane), aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g., toluene), halogenated hydrocarbon (e.g., methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, or perchloroethylene), or ether (e.g., diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, dimethoxyethane, diglyme, or tetraglyme) in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst. Suitable phase transfer catalysts include quaternary ammonium halides (e.g., tetrabutylammonium bromide, tetrabutylammonium hydrosulfate, triethylbenzylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, and tricaprylylmethylammonium chloride), quaternary phosphonium halides (e.g., triphenylmethylphosphonium bromide and tetraphenylphosphonium chloride), or cyclic polyether compounds known in the art as crown ethers (e.g., 18-crown-6 and 15-crown-5).

Alternatively, the dehydroiodination reaction may be conducted in the absence of solvent by adding the trihydroiodoperfluoroalkane to a solid or liquid basic substance.

Suitable reaction times for the dehydroiodination reactions are from about 15 minutes to about six hours or more depending on the solubility of the reactants. Typically the dehydroiodination reaction is rapid and requires about 30 minutes to about three hours for completion.

The compound of formula I may be recovered from the dehydroiodination reaction mixture by phase separation after addition of water, by distillation, or by a combination thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention, fluoroolefins comprise cyclic fluoroolefins (cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)-] (Formula II), wherein X, Y, Z, and W are independently selected from H and F, and n is an integer from 2 to 5). Representative cyclic fluoroolefins of Formula II are listed in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Cyclic fluoroolefins Structure Chemical name FC-C1316cc cyclo-CF₂CF₂CF═CF— 1,2,3,3,4,4- hexafluorocyclobutene HFC-C1334cc cyclo-CF₂CF₂CH═CH— 3,3,4,4- tetrafluorocyclobutene HFC-C1436 cyclo-CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH— 3,3,4,4,5,5,- hexafluorocyclopentene FC-C1418y cyclo-CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₂— 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5- octafluorocyclopentene FC-C151-10y cyclo-CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₂— 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6- decafluorocyclohexene

In another embodiment, fluoroolefins may comprise those compounds listed in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Name Structure Chemical name HFC-1225ye CF₃CF═CHF 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene HFC-1225zc CF₃CH═CF₂ 1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene HFC-1225yc CHF₂CF═CF₂ 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene HFC-1234ye CHF₂CF═CHF 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene HFC-1234yf CF₃CF═CH₂ 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene HFC-1234ze CF₃CH═CHF 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene HFC-1234yc CH₂FCF═CF₂ 1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene HFC-1234zc CHF₂CH═CF₂ 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene HFC-1243yf CHF₂CF═CH₂ 2,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene HFC-1243zf CF₃CH═CH₂ 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene HFC-1243yc CH₃CF═CF₂ 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-propene HFC-1243zc CH₂FCH═CF₂ 1,1,3-trifluoro-1-propene HFC-1243ye CH₂FCF═CHF 1,2,3-trifluoro-1-propene HFC-1243ze CHF₂CH═CHF 1,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene FC-1318my CF₃CF═CFCF₃ 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene FC-1318cy CF₃CF₂CF═CF₂ 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-butene HFC-1327my CF₃CF═CHCF₃ 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene HFC-1327ye CHF═CFCF₂CF₃ 1,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene HFC-1327py CHF₂CF═CFCF₃ 1,1,1,2,3,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene HFC-1327et (CF₃)₂C═CHF 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-1-propene HFC-1327cz CF₂═CHCF₂CF₃ 1,1,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene HFC-1327cye CF₂═CFCHFCF₃ 1,1,2,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene HFC-1327cyc CF₂═CFCF₂CHF₂ 1,1,2,3,3,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene HFC-1336yf CF₃CF₂CF═CH₂ 2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene HFC-1336ze CHF═CHCF₂CF₃ 1,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene HFC-1336eye CHF═CFCHFCF₃ 1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene HFC-1336eyc CHF═CFCF₂CHF₂ 1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene HFC-1336pyy CHF₂CF═CFCHF₂ 1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene HFC-1336qy CH₂FCF═CFCF₃ 1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene HFC-1336pz CHF₂CH═CFCF₃ 1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene HFC-1336mzy CF₃CH═CFCHF₂ 1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene HFC-1336qc CF₂═CFCF₂CH₂F 1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluoro-1-butene HFC-1336pe CF₂═CFCHFCHF₂ 1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene HFC-1336ft CH₂═C(CF₃)₂ 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)- 1-propene HFC-1345qz CH₂FCH═CFCF₃ 1,1,1,2,4-pentafluoro-2-butene HFC-1345mzy CF₃CH═CFCH₂F 1,1,1,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene HFC-1345fz CF₃CF₂CH═CH₂ 3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1345mzz CHF₂CH═CHCF₃ 1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene HFC-1345sy CH₃CF═CFCF₃ 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoro-2-butene HFC-1345fyc CH₂═CFCF₂CHF₂ 2,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1345pyz CHF₂CF═CHCHF₂ 1,1,2,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene HFC-1345cyc CH₃CF₂CF═CF₂ 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1345pyy CH₂FCF═CFCHF₂ 1,1,2,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene HFC-1345eyc CH₂FCF₂CF═CF₂ 1,2,3,3,4-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1345ctm CF₂═C(CF₃)(CH₃) 1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-2-methyl-1- propene HFC-1345ftp CH₂═C(CHF₂)(CF₃) 2-(difluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoro- 1-propene HFC1345fye CH₂═CFCHFCF₃ 2,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1345eyf CHF═CFCH₂CF₃ 1,2,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1345eze CHF═CHCHFCF₃ 1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1345ezc CHF═CHCF₂CHF₂ 1,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1345eye CHF═CFCHFCHF₂ 1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene HFC-1354fzc CH₂═CHCF₂CHF₂ 3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-1-butene HFC-1354ctp CF₂═C(CHF₂)(CH₃) 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-methyl-1- propene HFC-1354etm CHF═C(CF₃)(CH₃) 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-methyl-1- propene HFC-1354tfp CH₂═C(CHF₂)₂ 2-(difluoromethyl)-3,3-difluoro-1- propene HFC-1354my CF₃CF═CHCH₃ 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-2-butene HFC-1354mzy CH₃CF═CHCF₃ 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene FC-141-10myy CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₃ 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2- pentene FC-141-10cy CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃ 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-1- pentene HFC-1429mzt (CF₃)₂C═CHCF₃ 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-2-butene HFC-1429myz CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₃ 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2- pentene HFC-1429mzy CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₃ 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2- pentene HFC-1429eyc CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃ 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1- pentene HFC-1429czc CF₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₃ 1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1- pentene HFC-1429cycc CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂ 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-1- pentene HFC-1429pyy CHF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃ 1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2- pentene HFC-1429myyc CF₃CF═CFCF₂CHF₂ 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-2- pentene HFC-1429myye CF₃CF═CFCHFCF₃ 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2- pentene HFC-1429eyym CHF═CFCF(CF₃)₂ 1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1429cyzm CF₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂ 1,1,2,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1429mzt CF₃CH═C(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-2-butene HFC-1429czym CF₂═CHCF(CF₃)₂ 1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1438fy CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃ 2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-1- pentene HFC-1438eycc CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂ 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1- pentene HFC-1438ftmc CH₂═C(CF₃)CF₂CF₃ 3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1438czzm CF₂═CHCH(CF₃)₂ 1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1438ezym CHF═CHCF(CF₃)₂ 1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1438ctmf CF₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃ 1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1447fzy (CF₃)₂CFCH═CH₂ 3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1447fz CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂ 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene HFC-1447fycc CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂ 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene HFC-1447czcf CF₂═CHCF₂CH₂CF₃ 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene HFC-1447mytm CF₃CF═C(CF₃)(CH₃) 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-methyl- 2-butene HFC-1447fyz CH₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂ 2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1447ezz CHF═CHCH(CF₃)₂ 1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1447qzt CH₂FCH═C(CF₃)₂ 1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-2-butene HFC-1447syt CH₃CF═C(CF₃)₂ 2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-2-butene HFC-1456szt (CF₃)₂C═CHCH₃ 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro- 2-butene HFC-1456szy CF₃CF₂CF═CHCH₃ 3,4,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-pentene HFC-1456mstz CF₃C(CH₃)═CHCF₃ 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2- butene HFC-1456fzce CH₂═CHCF₂CHFCF₃ 3,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-1-pentene HFC-1456ftmf CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃ 4,4,4-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)- 1-butene FC-151-12c CF₃(CF₂)₃CF═CF₂ 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6- dodecafluoro-1-hexene (or perfluoro-1-hexene) FC-151-12mcy CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃ 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6- dodecafluoro-3-hexene (or perfluoro-3-hexene) FC-151-12mmtt (CF₃)₂C═C(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3- bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene FC-151-12mmzz (CF₃)₂CFCF═CFCF₃ 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene HFC-152-11mmtz (CF₃)₂C═CHC₂F₅ 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene HFC-152-11mmyyz (CF₃)₂CFCF═CHCF₃ 1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene PFBE CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂ 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1- (or HFC-1549fz) hexene (or perfluorobutylethylene) HFC-1549fztmm CH₂═CHC(CF₃)₃ 4,4,4-trifluoro-3,3- bis(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene HFC-1549mmtts (CF₃)₂C═C(CH₃)(CF₃) 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-methyl-2- (trifluoromethyl)-2-butene HFC-1549fycz CH₂═CFCF₂CH(CF₃)₂ 2,3,3,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene HFC-1549myts CF₃CF═C(CH₃)CF₂CF₃ 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3- methyl-2-pentene HFC-1549mzzz CF₃CH═CHCH(CF₃)₂ 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene HFC-1558szy CF₃CF₂CF₂CF═CHCH₃ 3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-2-hexene HFC-1558fzccc CH₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂ 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-2-hexene HFC-1558mmtzc (CF3)₂C═CHCF₂CH₃ 1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene HFC-1558ftmf CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂C₂F₅ 4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene HFC-1567fts CF₃CF₂CF₂C(CH₃)═CH₂ 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl- 1-pentene HFC-1567szz CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CHCH₃ 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene HFC-1567fzfc CH₂═CHCH₂CF₂C₂F₅ 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-hexene HFC-1567sfyy CF₃CF₂CF═CFC₂H₅ 1,1,1,2,2,3,4-heptafluoro-3-hexene HFC-1567fzfy CH₂═CHCH₂CF(CF₃)₂ 4,5,5,5-tetrafluoro-4- (trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene HFC-1567myzzm CF₃CF═CHCH(CF₃)(CH₃) 1,1,1,2,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-methyl- 2-pentene HFC-1567mmtyf (CF₃)₂C═CFC₂H₅ 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene FC-161-14myy CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7- tetradecafluoro-2-heptene FC-161-14mcyy CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7- tetradecafluoro-2-heptene HFC-162-13mzy CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7- tridecafluoro-2-heptene HFC162-13myz CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7- tridecafluoro-2-heptene HFC-162-13mczy CF₃CF₂CH═CFCF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7- tridecafluoro-3-heptene HFC-162-13mcyz CF₃CF₂CF═CHCF₂C₂F₅ 1,1,1,2,2,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7- tridecafluoro-3-heptene PEVE CF₂═CFOCF₂CF₃ pentafluoroethyl trifluorovinyl ether PMVE CF₂═CFOCF₃ trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether

The compounds listed in Table 2 and Table 3 are available commercially or may be prepared by processes known in the art or as described herein.

1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene may be prepared from 1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluorobutane (CHF₂CH₂CHFCF₃) by dehydrofluorination over solid KOH in the vapor phase at room temperature. The synthesis of 1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluorobutane is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,768, incorporated herein by reference.

1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene may be prepared from 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-iodobutane (CF₃CHICH₂CF₃) by reaction with KOH using a phase transfer catalyst at about 60° C. The synthesis of 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-iodobutane may be carried out by reaction of perfluoromethyl iodide (CF₃I) and 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (CF₃CH═CH₂) at about 200° C. under autogenous pressure for about 8 hours.

3,4,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-pentene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropentane (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH₂CH₃) using solid KOH or over a carbon catalyst at 200-300° C. 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropentane may be prepared by hydrogenation of 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂).

1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 1,1,1,2,3,3,4-heptafluorobutane (CH₂FCF₂CHFCF₃) using solid KOH.

1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 1,1,1,2,2,4,4-heptafluorobutane (CHF₂CH₂CF₂CF₃) using solid KOH.

1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro2-butene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 1,1,1,3,3,4,4-heptafluorobutane (CF₃CH₂CF₂CHF₂) using solid KOH.

1,1,1,2,4-pentafluoro-2-butene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluorobutane (CH₂FCH₂CF₂CF₃) using solid KOH.

1,1,1,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 1,1,1,3,3,4-hexafluorobutane (CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₂F) using solid KOH.

1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene may be prepared by reacting 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃) with aqueous KOH at 120° C.

1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-pentene may be prepared from (CF₃CHICH₂CF₂CF₃) by reaction with KOH using a phase transfer catalyst at about 60° C. The synthesis of 4-iodo-1,1,1,2,2,5,5,5-octafluoropentane may be carried out by reaction of perfluoroethyliodide (CF₃CF₂I) and 3,3,3-trifluoropropene at about 200° C. under autogenous pressure for about 8 hours.

1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-3-hexene may be prepared from 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-3-iodohexane (CF₃CF₂CHICH₂CF₂CF₃) by reaction with KOH using a phase transfer catalyst at about 60° C. The synthesis of 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-3-iodohexane may be carried out by reaction of perfluoroethyliodide (CF₃CF₂I) and 3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CH═CH₂) at about 200° C. under autogenous pressure for about 8 hours.

1,1,1,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene may be prepared by the dehydrofluorination of 1,1,1,2,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-iodo-2-(trifluoromethyl)-pentane (CF₃CHICH₂CF(CF₃)₂) with KOH in isopropanol. CF₃CHICH₂CF(CF₃)₂ is made from reaction of (CF₃)₂CF with CF₃CH═CH₂ at high temperature, such as about 200° C.

1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-2-hexene may be prepared by the reaction of 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CHCF₃) with tetrafluoroethylene (CF₂═CF₂) and antimony pentafluoride (SbF₅).

2,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluorobutane over fluorided alumina at elevated temperature.

2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-ocatafluoro-1-pentene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoropentane over solid KOH.

1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene may be prepared by dehydrofluorination of 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoropentane over fluorided alumina at elevated temperature.

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a single compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Table 3 or may comprise a combination of said compounds. Additionally, many of the compounds of Formula I, Formula II, and Table 3 may exist as different configurational isomers or stereoisomers. The present invention is intended to include all single configurational isomers, single stereoisomers or any combination thereof. For instance, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234ze) is meant to represent the E-isomer, Z-isomer, or any combination or mixture of both isomers in any ratio. Another example is F12E, by which is represented the E-isomer, Z-isomer, or any combination or mixture of both isomers in any ratio.

Compositions of the present invention have zero or low ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential (GWP). The fluoroolefins of the present invention or mixtures of fluoroolefins of this invention with other refrigerants will have global warming potentials that are less than many hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants currently in use. One aspect of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant with a global warming potential of less than 1000, less than 500, less than 150, less than 100, or less than 50. Another aspect of the present invention is to reduce the net GWP of refrigerant mixtures by adding fluoroolefins to said mixtures.

The compositions of the present invention that are combinations or mixtures may be prepared by any convenient method to combine the desired amounts of the individual components. A preferred method is to weigh the desired component amounts and thereafter combine the components in an appropriate vessel. Agitation may be used, if desired.

An alternative means for making compositions of the present invention comprises (i) reclaiming a volume of one or more components of a refrigerant composition from at least one refrigerant container, (ii) removing impurities sufficiently to enable reuse of said one or more of the reclaimed components, (iii) and optionally, combining all or part of said reclaimed volume of components with at least one additional refrigerant composition or component.

A refrigerant container may be any container in which is stored a refrigerant blend composition that has been used in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus. Said refrigerant container may be the refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus in which the refrigerant blend was used. Additionally, the refrigerant container may be a storage container for collecting reclaimed refrigerant blend components, including but not limited to pressurized gas cylinders.

Residual refrigerant means any amount of refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component that may be moved out of the refrigerant container by any method known for transferring refrigerant blends or refrigerant blend components.

Impurities may be any component that is in the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component due to its use in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus. Such impurities include but are not limited to refrigeration lubricants, being those described earlier herein, particulates such as metal or elastomer that may have come out of the refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus, and any other contaminants that may adversely effect the performance of the refrigerant blend composition.

Such impurities may be removed sufficiently to allow reuse of the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component without adversely effecting the performance or equipment within which the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component will be used.

It may be necessary to provide additional refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component to the residual refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component in order to produce a composition that meets the specifications required for a given product. For instance, if a refrigerant blend has 3 components in a particular weight percentage range, it may be necessary to add one or more of the components in a given amount in order to restore the composition to within the specification limits.

The compositions of the present invention that are useful as refrigerants or heat transfer fluids comprise at least one fluoroolefin selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (i) fluoroolefins of the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹         and R² are, independently, C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl groups, and         wherein the total number of carbons in the compound is at least         5;     -   (ii) cyclic fluoroolefins of the formula         cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)—], wherein X, Y, Z, and W, independently,         are H or F, and n is an integer from 2 to 5; and     -   (iii) fluoroolefins selected from the group consisting of:         1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CHF);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CF₂);         1,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CHF);         2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CH₂);         1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCF═CF₂);         1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CF₂);         2,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CH₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CH₂); 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-propene         (CH₃CF═CF₂); 1,2,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCF═CF₂);         1,1,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCH═CF₂);         1,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CHF);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCF₃);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene ((CF₃)₂C═CHF);         1,1,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CH₂F);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCH₂F);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CH═CH₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CFCF₃);         2,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CHCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CF₂═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2-(difluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)(CF₃));         2,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCH₂CF₃);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCHFCF₃);         1,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,1-difluoro-2-(difluoromethyl)-1-propene (CF₂═C(CHF₂)(CH₃));         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CHF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         3,3-difluoro-2-(difluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)₂);         1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCH₃);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-1-pentene (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CHF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CHF₂); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CFCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,2,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CFCH(CF₃) 2);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CF₃CH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF(CF₃)₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         ((CF₃)₂CFCH═CH₂); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CH₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃CF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₂FCH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₃CF═C(CF₃)₂); 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCH₃); 3,4,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃C(CH₃)═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CHFCF₃); 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-1-hexene (CF₃(CF₂)₃CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHC₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂);         4,4,4-trifluoro-3,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CHC(CF₃)₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3-methyl-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CH₃)(CF₃));         2,3,3,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═C(CH₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CHCH(CF₃)₂); 3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-octafluoro1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₂CH₃);         4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂C₂F₅);         3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂C(CH₃)═CH₂); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CHCH₃); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF₂C₂F₅); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4-heptafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFC₂H₅);         4,5,5,5-tetrafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCH(CF₃)(CH₃));         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CFC₂H₅);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CH═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCF₂C₂F₅); CF₂═CFOCF₂CF₃ (PEVE) and CF₂═CFOCF₃         (PMVE).

The present invention further relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and at least one flammable refrigerant or heat transfer fluid, wherein the fluoroolefin is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (i) fluoroolefins of the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹         and R² are, independently, C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl groups, and         wherein the total number of carbons in the compound is at least         5;     -   (ii) cyclic fluoroolefins of the formula         cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)—], wherein X, Y, Z, and W, independently,         are H or F, and n is an integer from 2 to 5; and     -   (iii) fluoroolefins selected from the group consisting of:         1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CHF);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CF₂);         1,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CHF);         2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CH₂);         1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCF═CF₂);         1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CF₂);         2,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CH₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CH₂); 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-propene         (CH₃CF═CF₂); 1,2,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCF═CF₂);         1,1,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCH═CF₂);         1,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CHF);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCF₃);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene ((CF₃)₂C═CHF);         1,1,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CH₂F);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCH₂F);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CH═CH₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CFCF₃);         2,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CHCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CF₂═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2-(difluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)(CF₃));         2,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCH₂CF₃);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCHFCF₃);         1,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,1-difluoro-2-(difluoromethyl)-1-propene (CF₂═C(CHF₂)(CH₃));         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CHF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         3,3-difluoro-2-(difluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)₂);         1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCH₃);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-1-pentene (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CHF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CHF₂); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CFCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,2,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CF₃CH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF(CF₃)₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         ((CF₃)₂CFCH═CH₂); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CH₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃CF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₂FCH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₃CF═C(CF₃)₂); 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCH₃); 3,4,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃C(CH₃)═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CHFCF₃); 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-1-hexene (CF₃(CF₂)₃CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHC₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂);         4,4,4-trifluoro-3,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CHC(CF₃)₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3-methyl-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CH₃)(CF₃));         2,3,3,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═C(CH₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CHCH(CF₃)₂); 3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-octafluoro1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₂CH₃);         4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂C₂F₅);         3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂C(CH₃)═CH₂); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CHCH₃); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF₂C₂F₅); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4-heptafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFC₂H₅);         4,5,5,5-tetrafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCH(CF₃)(CH₃));         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CFC₂H₅);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CH═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCF₂C₂F₅); CF₂═CFOCF₂CF₃ (PEVE) and CF₂═CFOCF₃         (PMVE).

Of particular utility in compositions comprising at least one flammable refrigerant and at least one fluoroolefin are those fluoroolefins that themselves are non-flammable. Flammability of a fluoroolefin appears to be related to the numbers of fluorine atoms and the numbers of hydrogen atoms in the molecule. The equation below provides a flammability factor that may be calculated as an indication of predicted flammability:

${{flammability}\mspace{14mu} {factor}} = \frac{F}{\left( {F + H} \right)}$

wherein:

-   -   F=the number of fluorine atoms; and     -   H=the number of hydrogen atoms in a molecule.

As certain compounds have been experimentally determined to be flammable, the cut-off for non-flammable fluoroolefin flammability factors has been determined. Fluoroolefins may be determined to be flammable or non-flammable by testing under conditions specified by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.) Standard 34-2001, under ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) E681-01, with an electronic ignition source. Such tests of flammability are conducted with the compound of interest at 101 kPa (14.7 psia) and a specified temperature (often 100° C. (212° F.)) at various concentrations in air in order to determine the lower flammability limit (LFL) and/or upper flammability limit (UFL) of the test compound in air.

The flammability factors for several fluoroolefins are listed in Table 4 along with the experimental determination of flammable or non-flammable. Therefore, it can be predicted for the other fluoroolefins of the present disclosure, which will be most useful in combination with the flammable refrigerants of the present disclosure as being in fact non-flammable fluoroolefins.

TABLE 4 Experimental Prediction Flammability from (LFL, vol % flammability Compound Formula #F #H F/(F + H) in air) factor HFC-1225ye C₃HF₅ 5 1 0.83 non-flammable non-flammable HFC-1234yf C₃H₂F₄ 4 2 0.67 6.0 flammable E-HFC-1234ze C₃H₂F₄ 4 2 0.67 5.0 flammable HFC-1429myz/mzy C₅HF₉ 9 1 0.90 non-flammable non-flammable (mixture of isomers) F12E C₆H₂F₈ 8 2 0.75 non-flammable non-flammable Other fluoroolefins HFC-1243 C₃H₃F₃ 3 3 0.15 na Flammable FC-1318 C₄F₈ 8 0 1.0 na non-flammable HFC-1327 C₄HF₇ 7 1 0.88 na non-flammable HFC-1336 C₄H₂F₆ 6 2 0.75 na non-flammable HFC-1345 C₄H₃F₅ 5 3 0.63 na flammable HFC-1354 C₄H₄F₄ 4 4 0.50 na flammable FC-141-10 C₅F₁₀ 10 0 1.0 na non-flammable HFC-1429 C₅HF₉ 9 1 0.90 na non-flammable HFC-1438 C₅H₂F₈ 8 2 0.80 na non-flammable HFC-1447 C₅H₃F₇ 7 3 0.70 na non-flammable HFC-1456 C₅H₄F₆ 6 4 0.6 na flammable FC-151-12 C₆F₁₂ 12 0 1.0 na non-flammable HFC-152-11 C₆HF₁₁ 11 1 0.92 na non-flammable HFC-153-10 C₆H₂F₁₀ 10 2 0.83 na non-flammable HFC-1549 C₆H₃F₉ 9 3 0.75 na non-flammable HFC-1558 C₆H₄F₈ 8 4 0.67 na flammable HFC-1567 C₆H₅F₇ 7 5 0.58 na flammable FC-161-14 C₇F₁₄ 14 0 1.0 na non-flammable HFC-162-13 C₇HF₁₃ 13 1 0.93 na non-flammable HFC-163-12 C₇H₂F₁₂ 12 2 0.86 na non-flammable HFC-164-11 C₇H₃F₁₁ 11 3 0.79 na non-flammable HFC-165-10 C₇H₄F₁₀ 10 4 0.71 na non-flammable HFC-1669 C₇H₅F₉ 9 5 0.64 na flammable HFC-C1316 C₄F₆ 6 0 1.0 na non-flammable HFC-C1418 C₅F₈ 8 0 1.0 na non-flammable HFC-C151-10 C6F10 10 0 1.0 na non-flammable HFC-C1334 C₄H₂F₄ 4 2 0.67 na flammable HFC-C1436 C₅H₂F₆ 6 2 0.75 na non-flammable

The fluoroolefins as listed in Table 4 may be determined to be flammable or non-flammable based upon the value of the flammability factor. If the flammability factor is found to be equal to or greater than 0.70, then the fluoroolefin may be expected to be non-flammable. If the flammability factor is less than 0.70, then the fluoroolefin may be expected to be flammable.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the fluoroolefins for use in compositions with flammable refrigerants are those fluoroolefins selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (a) fluoroolefins of the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹         and R² are, independently, C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl groups;     -   (b) cyclic fluoroolefins of the formula cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)—],         wherein X, Y, Z, and W, independently, are H or F, and n is an         integer from 2 to 5, and wherein the flammability factor is         greater than or equal to 0.70; and     -   (c) fluoroolefins selected from the group consisting of:         1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CHF);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCF₃);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene ((CF₃)₂C═CHF);         1,1,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CH₂F);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-1-pentene (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CHF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CHF₂); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CFCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,2,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CFCH(CF₃) 2);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CF₃CH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF(CF₃)₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         ((CF₃)₂CFCH═CH₂); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CH₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃CF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₂FCH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₃CF═C(CF₃)₂); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃(CF₂)₃CF═CF₂); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHC₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂);         4,4,4-trifluoro-3,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CHC(CF₃)₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3-methyl-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CH₃)(CF₃));         2,3,3,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═C(CH₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CH═CFCF₂C₂F₅); and         1,1,1,2,2,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCF₂C₂F₅).

In yet another embodiment, the fluoroolefins of the present disclosure that may be particularly useful in combination with flammable refrigerants, may be at least one fluoroolefin selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (a) fluoroolefins of the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹         and R² are, independently, C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl groups, and         wherein the flammability factor is greater than or equal to         0.70; and     -   (b) cyclic fluoroolefins of the formula cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)—],         wherein X, Y, Z, and W, independently, are H or F, and n is an         integer from 2 to 5, and wherein the flammability factor is         greater than or equal to 0.70.

While the flammability factor provides a basis for predicting flammability of certain fluoroolefin compounds, there may be certain variables, such as position of the hydrogen atoms on the molecule that would account for certain isomers with a given molecular formula being flammable while other isomers are non-flammable. Therefore, the flammability factor may only be used as a tool for predicting flammability characteristics.

Flammable refrigerants of the present invention comprise any compound, which may be demonstrated to propagate a flame under specified conditions of temperature, pressure and composition when mixed with air. Flammable refrigerants may be identified by testing under conditions specified by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.) Standard 34-2001, under ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) E681-01, with an electronic ignition source. Such tests of flammability are conducted with the refrigerant at 101 kPa (14.7 psia) and a specified temperature (typically 100° C. (212° F.), or room temperature, that being about 23° C. (73° F.) at various concentrations in air in order to determine the lower flammability limit (LFL) and upper flammability limit (UFL) of the test compound in air.

In practical terms, a refrigerant may be classified as flammable if upon leaking from a refrigeration apparatus or air-conditioning apparatus, and contacting an ignition source a fire may result. The compositions of the present invention, during such a leak, have a low probability of causing a fire.

Flammable refrigerants of the present invention include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), fluoroolefins, fluoroethers, hydrocarbon ethers, hydrocarbons, ammonia (NH₃), and combinations thereof.

Flammable HFC refrigerants include but are not limited to: difluoromethane (HFC-32), fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a), 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143), 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a), fluoroethane (HFC-161), 1,1,1-trifluoropropane (HFC-263fb), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-365mfc), and combinations thereof. These flammable HFC refrigerants are commercial products available from a number of sources such as chemical synthesis companies or may be prepared by synthetic processes disclosed in the art.

Flammable refrigerants of the present invention further comprise fluoroolefins including but not limited to: 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFC-1234ye); 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFC-1234ze); 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFC-1234yf); 1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFC-1234yc); 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFC-1234zc); 2,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (HFC-1243yf); 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (HFC-1243zf); 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-propene(HFC-1243yc); 1,1,3-trifluoro-1-propene(HFC-1243zc); 1,2,3-trifluoro-1-propene(HFC-1243ye); and 1,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (HFC-1243ze).

Flammable refrigerants of the present invention further comprise fluoroethers, compounds similar to hydrofluorocarbons, which also contain at least one ether group oxygen atom. Representative fluoroether refrigerants include but are not limited to C₄F₉OC₂H₅, available commercially.

Flammable refrigerants of the present invention further comprise hydrocarbon refrigerants. Representative hydrocarbon refrigerants include but are not limited to propane, propylene, cyclopropane, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, 2-methylbutane (isopentane), cyclobutane, cyclopentane, 2,2-dimethylpropane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylpentane, 2-methylhexane, 3-methylhexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-ethylpentane, 3-methylpentane, cyclohexane, n-heptane, methylcyclopentane, and n-hexane. Flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants are readily available from multiple commercial sources.

Flammable refrigerants of the present invention further comprise hydrocarbon ethers, such as dimethyl ether (DME, CH3OCH3) and methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE, (CH3)₃COCH3), both available from multiple commercial sources.

Flammable refrigerants of the present invention further comprise ammonia (NH3), a commercially available compound.

Flammable refrigerants of the present invention may further comprise mixtures of more than one refrigerant such as a mixture of two or more flammable refrigerants (eg. two HFCs or an HFC and a hydrocarbon) or a mixture comprising a flammable refrigerant and a non-flammable refrigerant, such that the overall mixture is still considered to be a flammable refrigerant, identified under the ASTM conditions described herein, or in practical terms.

Examples of non-flammable refrigerants that may be combined with other refrigerants of the present invention include R-134a, R-134, R-23, R125, R-236fa, R-245fa, and mixtures of HCFC-22/HFC-152a/HCFC-124 (known by the ASHRAE designations, R401 or R-401A, R-401B, and R-401C), HFC-125/HFC-143a/HFC-134a (known by the ASHRAE designation, R-404 or R-404A), HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-134a (known by ASHRAE designations, R407 or R-407A, R-407B, and R-407C), HCFC-22/HFC-143a/HFC-125 (known by the ASHRAE designation, R408 or R-408A), HCFC-22/HCFC-124/HCFC-142b (known by the ASHRAE designation: R-409 or R-409A), HFC-32/HFC-125 (known by the ASHRAE designation R-410A), and HFC-125/HFC-143a (known by the ASHRAE designation: R-507 or R507A) and carbon dioxide.

Examples of mixtures of more than one flammable refrigerant include propane/isobutane; HFC-152a/isobutane, R32/propane; R32/isobutane; and HFC/carbon dioxide mixtures such as HFC-152a/CO₂.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a non-flammable refrigerant with a global warming potential of less than 150, preferably less than 50. Another aspect of the present invention is to reduce the flammability of flammable refrigeration mixtures by adding non-flammable fluoroolefins to said mixtures.

It may be demonstrated that while certain refrigerants are flammable, it is possible to produce a non-flammable refrigerant composition by adding to the flammable refrigerant another compound that is not flammable. Examples of such nonflammable refrigerant blends include R-410A (HFC-32 is a flammable refrigerant, while HFC-125 is non-flammable), and R-407C (HFC-32 is a flammable refrigerant, while HFC-125 and HFC-134a are not flammable).

The compositions of the present invention that are useful as refrigerants or heat transfer fluids comprising at least one fluoroolefin and at least one flammable refrigerant may contain an effective amount of fluoroolefin to produce a composition that is non-flammable based upon results of ASTM E681-01.

The present inventive compositions comprising at least one flammable refrigerant and at least one fluoroolefin may contain about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent fluoroolefin and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent flammable refrigerant.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may contain about 10 weight percent to about 80 weight percent fluoroolefin and about 90 weight percent to about 20 weight percent flammable refrigerant. In yet another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may contain about 20 weight percent to about 70 weight percent fluoroolefin and about 80 weight percent to about 30 weight percent flammable refrigerant.

Of particular interest is an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the fluoroolefin comprises HFC-1225ye and the flammable refrigerant comprises HFC-32 (difluoromethane). It has been determined that compositions comprising up to 37 weight percent HFC-32 are non-flammable, while compositions comprising 38 weight percent HFC-32 or greater are flammable as determined by ASTM 681-01. The present disclosure provides non-flammable compositions comprising about 1.0 weight percent to about 37.0 weight percent HFC-32 and about 99.0 weight percent to about 63 weight percent HFC-1225ye.

Also, of particular interest is an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the composition comprises HFC-1225ye, HFC-32 and HFC-125. This composition of the present invention comprises about 20 weight percent to about 95 weight percent HFC-1225ye, about 1.0 weight percent to about 65 weight percent HFC-32, and about 1.0 weight percent to about 40 weight percent HFC-125. In another embodiment, the composition comprises about 30 weight percent to about 90 weight percent HFC-1225ye, about 5.0 weight percent to about 55 weight percent HFC-32, and about 1.0 weight percent to about 35 weight percent HFC-125. In yet another embodiment, the composition comprises about 40 weight percent to about 85 weight percent HFC-1225ye, about 10 weight percent to about 45 weight percent HFC-32 and about 1.0 weight percent to about 28 weight percent HFC-125. Those compositions containing less than about 40 weight percent HFC-32 are expected to be non-flammable compositions. This flammability limit will vary from less than about 45 weight percent HFC-32 to less than about 37 weight percent HFC-32 depending on the relative ratios of HFC-1225ye and HFC-125 present in the composition.

In another embodiment of particular interest, the flammable refrigerant comprises HFC-1243zf and a non-flammable fluoroolefin intended to reduce the flammability of the overall composition. The composition may comprise about 1.0 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1243zf and about 99 weight percent to about 1.0 weight percent HFC-1225ye. Alternatively, the composition may comprise about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent HFC-1243zf and about 60 weight percent to about 30 weight percent HFC-1225ye.

In another embodiment of particular interest, the composition comprises about 1.0 weight percent to about 98 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 1.0 weight percent to about 98 weight percent HFC-1225ye; and about 1.0 weight percent to about 50 weight percent HFC-125. Alternatively, the composition comprises about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 20 weight percent to about 60 weight percent HFC-1225ye; and about 1.0 weight percent to about 10 weight percent HFC-125.

In another embodiment of particular interest the composition comprises about 1.0 weight percent to about 98 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 1.0 weight percent to about 98 weight percent HFC-1225ye; and about 1.0 weight percent to about 50 weight percent HFC-32. Alternatively, the composition comprises about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 20 weight percent to about 60 weight percent HFC-1225ye; and about 1.0 weight percent to about 10 weight percent HFC-32.

In yet another embodiment of particular interest, the composition comprises about 1.0 weight percent to about 97 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 1.0 weight percent to about 97 weight percent HFC-1225ye; about 1.0 weight percent to about 50 weight percent HFC-125; and about 1.0 weight percent to about 50 weight percent HFC-32. Alternatively, the composition comprises about 40 weight percent to about 70 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 20 weight percent to about 60 weight percent HFC-1225ye; and about 1.0 weight percent to about 10 weight percent HFC-125; and about 1.0 weight percent to about 10 weight percent HFC-32.

The present invention further relates to a method for reducing the flammability of a flammable refrigerant said method comprising combining the flammable refrigerant with at least one fluoroolefin. The amount of fluoroolefin added must be an effective amount to produce a non-flammable compositions as determined by ASTM 681-01.

Compositions of the present invention may be used in combination with a desiccant in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump system to aid in removal of moisture. Desiccants may be composed of activated alumina, silica gel, or zeolite based molecular sieves. Representative molecular sieves include MOLSIV XH-7, XH-6, XH-9 and XH-11 (UOP LLC, Des Plaines, Ill.). For refrigerants with small molecular size such as HFC-32, XH-11 desiccant is preferred.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise at least one lubricant. Lubricants of the present invention comprise those suitable for use with refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus. Among these lubricants are those conventionally used in compression refrigeration apparatus utilizing chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. Such lubricants and their properties are discussed in the 1990 ASHRAE Handbook, Refrigeration Systems and Applications, chapter 8, titled “Lubricants in Refrigeration Systems”, pages 8.1 through 8.21, herein incorporated by reference. Lubricants of the present invention may comprise those commonly known as “mineral oils” in the field of compression refrigeration lubrication. Mineral oils comprise paraffins (i.e. straight-chain and branched-carbon-chain, saturated hydrocarbons), naphthenes (i.e. cyclic paraffins) and aromatics (i.e. unsaturated, cyclic hydrocarbons containing one or more rings characterized by alternating double bonds). Lubricants of the present invention further comprise those commonly known as “synthetic oils” in the field of compression refrigeration lubrication. Synthetic oils comprise alkylaryls (i.e. linear and branched alkyl alkylbenzenes), synthetic paraffins and naphthenes, and poly(alphaolefins). Representative conventional lubricants of the present invention are the commercially available BVM 100 N (paraffinic mineral oil sold by BVA Oils), Suniso® 3GS and Suniso®5GS (naphthenic mineral oil sold by Crompton Co.), Sontex® 372LT (naphthenic mineral oil sold by Pennzoil), Calumet® RO-30 (naphthenic mineral oil sold by Calumet Lubricants), Zerol® 75, Zerol® 150 and Zerol® 500 (linear alkylbenzenes sold by Shrieve Chemicals) and HAB 22 (branched alkylbenzene sold by Nippon Oil).

Lubricants of the present invention further comprise those, which have been designed for use with hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants and are miscible with refrigerants of the present invention under compression refrigeration and air-conditioning apparatus' operating conditions. Such lubricants and their properties are discussed in “Synthetic Lubricants and High-Performance Fluids”, R. L. Shubkin, editor, Marcel Dekker, 1993. Such lubricants include, but are not limited to, polyol esters (POEs) such as Castrol® 100 (Castrol, United Kingdom), polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) such as RL-488A from Dow (Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich.), and polyvinyl ethers (PVEs).

Lubricants of the present invention are selected by considering a given compressor's requirements and the environment to which the lubricant will be exposed.

Commonly used refrigeration system additives may optionally be added, as desired, to compositions of the present invention in order to enhance lubricity and system stability. These additives are generally known within the field of refrigeration compressor lubrication, and include anti wear agents, extreme pressure lubricants, corrosion and oxidation inhibitors, metal surface deactivators, foaming and antifoam control agents, leak detectants and the like. In general, these additives are present only in small amounts relative to the overall lubricant composition. They are typically used at concentrations of from less than about 0.1% to as much as about 3% of each additive. These additives are selected on the basis of the individual system requirements. Some typical examples of such additives may include, but are not limited to, lubrication enhancing additives, such as alkyl or aryl esters of phosphoric acid and of thiophosphates. Additionally, the metal dialkyl dithiophosphates (e.g. zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate or ZDDP, Lubrizol 1375) and other members of this family of chemicals may be used in compositions of the present invention. Other antiwear additives include natural product oils and assymetrical polyhydroxyl lubrication additives such as Synergol TMS (International Lubricants). Similarly, stabilizers such as antioxidants, free radical scavengers, and water scavengers (drying compounds) may be employed. Such additives include but are not limited to, nitromethane, hindered phenols (such as butylated hydroxy toluene, or BHT), hydroxylamines, thiols, phosphites, epoxides or lactones. Water scavengers include but are not limited to ortho esters such as trimethyl-, triethyl-, or tripropylortho formate. Single additives or combinations may be used.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of thiophosphates, butylated triphenylphosphorothionates, organo phosphates, dialkylthiophosphate esters, terpenes, terpenoids, fullerenes, functionalized perfluoropolyethers, polyoxyalkylated aromatics, epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, oxetanes, ascorbic acid, thiols, lactones, thioethers, nitromethanes, alkylsilanes, benzophenone derivatives, arylsulfide, divinyl terephthalate, diphenyl terephthalate, alkylamines, hindered amine antioxidants, and phenols, The alkylamines can include triethylamine, tributylamine, diisopropylamine, triisopropylamine, triisobutylamine, and other members of this family of alkylamine compounds.

In another embodiment, the stabilizers of the present invention may comprise specific combinations of stabilizers. One combination of stabilizers of particular interest comprises at least one terpene or terpenoid. These terpenes or terpenoids may be combined with at least one compound selected from epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, and oxetanes.

Terpenes are hydrocarbon compounds characterized by structures containing more than one repeating isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) unit. Terpenes may be acyclic or cyclic. Representative terpenes include but are not limited to myrcene (2-methyl-6-methyl-eneocta-1,7-diene), allo-cimene, beta-ocimene, terebene, limonene (or d-limonene), retinal, pinene (or alpha-pinene), menthol, geraniol, farnesol, phytol, Vitamin A, terpinene, delta-3-carene, terpinolene, phellandrene, fenchene and mixtures thereof. Terpene stabilizers are commercially available or may be prepared by methods known in the art or isolated from natural sources.

Terpenoids are natural products and related compounds characterized by structures containing more than one repeating isoprene unit and optionally contain oxygen. Representative terpenoids include carotenoids, such as lycopene (CAS reg. no. [502-65-8]), betacarotene (CAS reg. no. [7235-40-7]), and xanthophylls, i.e. zeaxanthin (CAS reg. no. [144-68-3]); retinoids, such as hepaxanthin (CAS reg. no. [512-39-0]), and isotretinoin (CAS reg. no. [4759-48-2]); abietane (CAS reg. no. [640-43-7]); ambrosane (CAS reg. no. [24749-18-6]); aristolane (CAS reg. no. [29788-49-6]); atisane (CAS reg. no. [24379-83-7]); beyerane (CAS reg. no. [2359-83-3]), bisabolane (CAS reg. no. [29799-19-7]); bornane (CAS reg. no. [464-15-3]); caryophyllane (CAS reg. no. [20479-00-9]); cedrane (CAS reg. no. [13567-54-9]); dammarane (CAS reg. no. [545-22-2]); drimane (CAS reg. no. [5951-58-6]); eremophilane (CAS reg. no. [3242-05-5]); eudesmane (CAS reg. no. [473-11-0]); fenchane (CAS reg. no. [6248-88-0]); gammacerane (CAS reg. no. [559-65-9]); germacrane (CAS reg. no. [645-10-3]); gibbane (CAS reg. no. [6902-95-0]); grayanotoxane (CAS reg. no. [39907-73-8]); guaiane (CAS reg. no. [489-80-5]); himachalane (CAS reg. no. [20479-45-2]); hopane (CAS reg. no. [471-62-5]); humulane (CAS reg. no. [430-19-3]); kaurane (CAS reg. no. [1573-40-6]); labdane (CAS reg. no. [561-90-0]); lanostane (CAS reg. no. [474-20-4]); lupane (CAS reg. no. [464-99-3]); p-menthane (CAS reg. no. [99-82-1]); oleanane (CAS reg. no. [471-67-0]); ophiobolane (CAS reg. no. [20098-65-1]); picrasane (CAS reg. no. [35732-97-9]); pimarane (CAS reg. no. [30257-03-5]); pinane (CAS reg. no. [473-55-2]); podocarpane (CAS reg. no. [471-78-3]); protostane (CAS reg. no. [70050-78-1]); rosane (CAS reg. no. [6812-82-4]); taxane (CAS reg. no. [1605-68-1]); thujane (CAS reg. no. [471-12-5]); trichothecane (CAS reg. no. [24706-08-9]); and ursane (CAS reg. no. [464-93-7]). The terpenoids of the present invention are commercially available or may be prepared by methods known in the art or may be isolated from the naturally occurring source.

In one embodiment, the terpene or terpenoid stabilizers may be combined with at least one epoxide. Representative epoxides include 1,2-propylene oxide (CAS reg. no. [75-56-9]); 1,2-butylene oxide (CAS reg. no. [106-88-7]); or mixtures thereof.

In another embodiment, the terpene or terpenoid stabilizers of the present invention may be combined with at least one fluorinated epoxide.

The fluorinated epoxides of the present invention may be depicted by Formula 3, wherein each of R² through R⁵ is H, alkyl of 1-6 carbon atoms or fluoroalkyl of 1-6 carbon atoms with the proviso that at least one of R² through R⁵ is a fluoroalkyl group.

Representative fluorinated epoxide stabilizers include but are not limited to trifluoromethyloxirane and 1,1-bis(trifluoromethyl)oxirane. Such compounds may be prepared by methods known in the art, for instance by methods described in, Journal of Fluorine Chemistry, volume 24, pages 93-104 (1984), Journal of Organic Chemistry, volume 56, pages 3187 to 3189 (1991), and Journal of Fluorine Chemistry, volume 125, pages 99-105(2004).

In another embodiment, the terpene or terpenoid stabilizers of the present invention may be combined with at least one oxetane. The oxetane stabilizers of the present invention may be compounds with one or more oxetane groups and is represented by Formula 4, wherein R₁-R₆ are the same or different and can be selected from hydrogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl.

Representative oxetane stabilizers include but are not limited to 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-oxetane, such as OXT-101 (Toagosei Co., Ltd); 3-ethyl-3-((phenoxy)methyl)-oxetane, such as OXT-211 (Toagosei Co., Ltd); and 3-ethyl-3-((2-ethyl-hexyloxy)methyl)-oxetane, such as OXT-212 (Toagosei Co., Ltd).

Another embodiment of particular interest is a combination of stabilizers comprising fullerenes. The fullerene stabilizers may be combined with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, and oxetanes. The epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, and oxetanes for combination with fullerenes have been previously described herein as for combination with terpenes or terpenoids.

Another embodiment of particular interest is a combination of stabilizers comprising phenols. The fullerene stabilizers may be combined with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, and oxetanes. The epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, and oxetanes for combination with phenols have been previously described herein as for combination with terpenes or terpenoids.

Phenol stabilizers comprise any substituted or unsubstituted phenol compound including phenols comprising one or more substituted or unsubstituted cyclic, straight chain, or branched aliphatic substituent group, such as, alkylated monophenols including 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol; 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol; 2,4-dimethyl-6-tertbutylphenol; tocopherol; and the like, hydroquinone and alkylated hydroquinones including t-butyl hydroquinone, other derivatives of hydroquinone; and the like, hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, including 4,4′-thio-bis(2-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); 4,4′-thiobis(3-methyl-6-tertbutylphenol); 2,2′-thiobis(4methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); and the like, alkylidene-bisphenols including: 4,4′-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol); 4,4′-bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol); derivatives of 2,2′- or 4,4-biphenoldiols; 2,2′-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-tertbutylphenol); 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tertbutylphenol); 4,4-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); 4,4-isopropylidenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol); 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-nonylphenol); 2,2′-isobutylidenebis(4,6-dimethylphenol; 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol, 2,2- or 4,4-biphenyldiols including 2,2′-methylenebis(4-ethyl-6-tert-butylphenol); butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT), bisphenols comprising heteroatoms including 2,6-di-tert-alpha-dimethylamino-p-cresol, 4,4-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol); and the like; acylaminophenols; 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4(N,N′-dimethylaminomethylphenol); sulfides including; bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylbenzyl)sulfide; bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)sulfide; and the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention, these combinations of stabilizers comprising terpenes or terpenoids, or fullerenes or phenols with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, and oxetanes, may further comprise an additional stabilizer compound selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   areoxalyl bis(benzylidene)hydrazide (CAS reg. no. 6629-10-3);     -   N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoylhydrazine)         (CAS reg. no. 32687-78-8);     -   2,2′-oxamidobis-ethyl-(3,5-d-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydorcinnamate)         (CAS reg. no. 70331-94-1);     -   N,N′-(disalicyclidene)-1,2-propanediamine (CAS reg. no.         94-91-1); and     -   ethyenediaminetetraacetic acid (CAS reg. no. 60-00-4) and salts         thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention, these combinations of stabilizers comprising terpenes or terpenoids, or fullerenes or phenols with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, and oxetanes, may further comprise at least one alkylamine selected from the group consisting of triethylamine; tributylamine; triisopropylamine; diisobutylamine; triisopropylamine; triisobutylamine; and hindered amine antioxidants.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a compound or composition that is a tracer and is selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs), deuterated hydrocarbon, deuterated hydrofluorocarbon, perfluorocarbons, fluoroether, brominated compound, iodated compound, alcohol, aldehyde, ketones, nitrous oxide (N₂O) and combinations thereof. The tracer used in the present invention are different compositions from those used as refrigerant or heat transfer fluids, are added to the refrigerant and heat transfer compositions in previously determined quantities to allow detection of any dilution, contamination or other alteration of the composition, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/062,044, filed Feb. 18, 2005.

Typical tracer compounds for use in the present compositions are listed in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Compound Structure Deuterated hydrocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons Ethane-d6 CD₃CD₃ Propane-d8 CD₃CD₂CD₃ HFC-32-d2 CD₂F₂ HFC-134a-d2 CD₂FCF₃ HFC-143a-d3 CD₃CF₃ HFC-125-d CDF₂CF₃ HFC-227ea-d CF₃CDFCF₃ HFC-227ca-d CF₃CF₂CDF₂ HFC-134-d2 CDF₂CDF₂ HFC-236fa-d2 CF₃CD₂CF₃ HFC-245cb-d3 CF₃CF₂CD₃ HFC-263fb-d2* CF₃CD₂CH₃ HFC-263fb-d3 CF₂CH₂CD₃ Fluoroethers HFOC-125E CHF₂OCF₃ HFOC-134aE CH₂FOCF₃ HFOC-143aE CH₃OCF₃ HFOC-227eaE CF₃OCHF—F₃ HFOC-236faE CF₃OCH₂CF₃ HFOC-245cbEβγ or HFOC-245faEαβ CHF₂OCH₂CF₃ (or CHF₂CH₂OCF₃) HFOC-245cbEβγ or HFOC-245cbαβ CH₃OCF₂CF₃ (or CH₃CF₂OCF₃) HFE-42-11mcc (or Freon ® E1) CF₃CF₂CF₂OCHFCF₃ Freon ® E2 CF₃CF₂CF₂OCF(CF₃)CF₂OCHFCF₃ Hydrofluorocarbons HFC-23 CHF₃ HFC-161 CH₃CH₂F HFC-152a CH₃CHF₂ HFC-134 CHF₂CHF₂ HFC-227ea CF₃CHFCF₃ HFC-227ca CHF₂CF₂CF₃ HFC-236cb CH₂FCF₂CF₃ HFC-236ea CF₃CHFCHF₂ HFC-236fa CF₃CH₂CF₃ HFC-245cb CF₃CF₂CH₃ HFC-245fa CHF₂CH₂CF₃ HFC-254cb CHF₂CF₂CH₃ HFC-254eb CF₃CHFCH₃ HFC-263fb CF₃CH₂CH₃ HFC-272ca CH₃CF₂CH₃ HFC-281ea CH₃CHFCH₃ HFC-281fa CH₂FCH₂CH₃ HFC-329p CHF₂CF₂CF₂CF₃ HFC-329mmz (CH₃)₂CHCF₃ HFC-338mf CF₃CH₂CF₂CF₃ HFC-338pcc CHF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂ HFC-347s CH₃CF₂CF₂CF₃ HFC-43-10mee CF₃CHFCHFCF₂CF₃ Perfluorocarbons PFC-116 CF₃CF₃ PFC-C216 Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂CF₂—) PFC-218 CF₃CF₂CF₃ PFC-C318 Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—) PFC-31-10mc CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₃ PFC-31-10my (CF₃)₂CFCF₃ PFC-C51-12mycm Cyclo(—CF(CF₃)CF₂CF(CF₃)CF₂—) PFC-C51-12mym, trans Cyclo(—CF₂CF(CF₃)CF(CF₃CF₂—) PFC-C51-12mym, cis Cyclo(—CF₂CF(CF₃)CF(CF₃)CF₂—) Perfluoromethylcyclo-pentane Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂CF₂CF₂—) Perfluoromethylcyclo-hexane Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—) Perfluorodimethylcyclo-hexane (ortho Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂—) meta, or para) Perfluoroethylcyclohexane Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂(CF₂CF₃)CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—)

C₉F₁₀ (see structure below) Cyclo (—CF₂(CF₃)CF₂(CF₃)CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂—) Perfluoroisopropylcyclo-hexane Cyclo (—CF₂CF₂(CF₂(CF₃)₂)CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—)

C₁₀F₁₈ (see structure below)

C₁₁F₂₀ (see structure below) Brominated compounds Bromomethane CH₃Br Bromofluoromethane CH₂FBr Bromodifluoromethane CHF₂Br Dibromofluoromethane CHFBr₂ Tribromomethane CHBr₃ Bromoethane CH₃CH₂Br Bromoethene CH₂═CHBr 1,2-dibromoethane CH₂BrCH₂Br 1-bromo-1,2-difluoroethene CFBr═CHF Iodated compounds lodotrifluoromethane CF₃I Difluoroiodomethane CHF₂I Fluoroiodomethane CH₂FI 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-iodoethane OF₂ICH₂F 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-iodoethane OF₂ICHF₂ 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1,2-diiodoethane CF₂ICF₂I lodopentafluorobenzene C₆F₅I Alcohols Ethanol CH₃CH₂OH n-propanol CH₃CH₂CH₂OH Isopropanol CH₃CH(OH)CH₃ Aldehydes and Ketones Acetone (2-propanone) CH₃C(O)CH₃ n-propanal CH₃CH₂CHO n-butanal CH₃CH₂CH₂CHO Methyl ethyl ketone (2-butanone) CH₃C(O)CH₂CH₃ Other Nitrous oxide N₂O

The compounds listed in Table 5 are available commercially (from chemical supply houses) or may be prepared by processes known in the art.

Single tracer compounds may be used in combination with a refrigeration/heating fluid in the compositions of the present invention or multiple tracer compounds may be combined in any proportion to serve as a tracer blend. The tracer blend may contain multiple tracer compounds from the same class of compounds or multiple tracer compounds from different classes of compounds. For example, a tracer blend may contain 2 or more deuterated hydrofluorocarbons, or one deuterated hydrofluorocarbon in combination with one or more perfluorocarbons.

Additionally, some of the compounds in Table 4 exist as multiple isomers, structural or optical. Single isomers or multiple isomers of the same compound may be used in any proportion to prepare the tracer compound. Further, single or multiple isomers of a given compound may be combined in any proportion with any number of other compounds to serve as a tracer blend.

The tracer compound or tracer blend may be present in the compositions at a total concentration of about 50 parts per million by weight (ppm) to about 1000 ppm. Preferably, the tracer compound or tracer blend is present at a total concentration of about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm and most preferably, the tracer compound or tracer blend is present at a total concentration of about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise an ultra-violet (UV) dye and optionally a solubilizing agent. The UV dye is a useful component for detecting leaks of the refrigerant composition or heat transfer fluids by permitting one to observe the fluorescence of the dye in the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition at or in the vicinity of a leak point in said apparatus in the refrigeration, air-conditioning, heat pump apparatus. One may observe the fluorescence of the dye under an ultra-violet light. Solubilizing agents may be needed due to poor solubility of such UV dyes in some refrigerants and heat transfer fluids.

By “ultra-violet” dye is meant a UV fluorescent composition that absorbs light in the ultra-violet or “near” ultra-violet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The fluorescence produced by the UV fluorescent dye under illumination by a UV light that emits radiation with wavelength anywhere from 10 nanometer to 750 nanometer may be detected. Therefore, if refrigerant or heat transfer fluid containing such a UV fluorescent dye is leaking from a given point in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, the fluorescence can be detected at the leak point, or in the vicinity of the leak point. Such UV fluorescent dyes include but are not limited to naphthalimides, perylenes, coumarins, anthracenes, phenanthracenes, xanthenes, thioxanthenes, naphthoxanthenes, fluoresceins, and derivatives of said dye or combinations thereof. Solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon ethers, polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes.

Hydrocarbon solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise hydrocarbons including straight chained, branched chain or cyclic alkanes or alkenes containing 16 or fewer carbon atoms and only hydrogen with no other functional groups. Representative hydrocarbon solubilizing agents comprise propane, propylene, cyclopropane, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, octane, decane, and hexadecane. It should be noted that if the refrigerant is a hydrocarbon, then the solubilizing agent may not be the same hydrocarbon.

Hydrocarbon ether solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise ethers containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, such as dimethyl ether (DME).

Polyoxyalkylene glycol ether solubilizing agents of the present invention are represented by the formula R¹[(OR²)_(x)OR³]_(y), wherein: x is an integer from 1-3; y is an integer from 1-4; R¹ is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; R³ is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at least one of R¹ and R³ is said hydrocarbon radical; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units. As used herein, bonding sites mean radical sites available to form covalent bonds with other radicals.

Hydrocarbylene radicals mean divalent hydrocarbon radicals. In the present invention, preferred polyoxyalkylene glycol ether solubilizing agents are represented by R¹[(OR²)_(x)OR³]_(y): x is preferably 1-2; y is preferably 1; R¹ and R³ are preferably independently selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R² is preferably selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 or 3 carbon atoms, most preferably 3 carbon atoms; the polyoxyalkylene glycol ether molecular weight is preferably from about 100 to about 250 atomic mass units, most preferably from about 125 to about 250 atomic mass units. The R¹ and R³ hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms may be linear, branched or cyclic. Representative R¹ and R³ hydrocarbon radicals include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl. Where free hydroxyl radicals on the present polyoxyalkylene glycol ether solubilizing agents may be incompatible with certain compression refrigeration apparatus materials of construction (e.g. Mylar®), R¹ and R³ are preferably aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, most preferably 1 carbon atom. The R² aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms form repeating oxyalkylene radicals —(OR²)_(x)— that include oxyethylene radicals, oxypropylene radicals, and oxybutylene radicals. The oxyalkylene radical comprising R² in one polyoxyalkylene glycol ether solubilizing agent molecule may be the same, or one molecule may contain different R² oxyalkylene groups. The present polyoxyalkylene glycol ether solubilizing agents preferably comprise at least one oxypropylene radical. Where R¹ is an aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites, the radical may be linear, branched or cyclic. Representative R¹ aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having two bonding sites include, for example, an ethylene radical, a propylene radical, a butylene radical, a pentylene radical, a hexylene radical, a cyclopentylene radical and a cyclohexylene radical. Representative R¹ aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having three or four bonding sites include residues derived from polyalcohols, such as trimethylolpropane, glycerin, pentaerythritol, 1,2,3-trihydroxycyclohexane and 1,3,5-trihydroxycyclohexane, by removing their hydroxyl radicals.

Representative polyoxyalkylene glycol ether solubilizing agents include but are not limited to: CH₃OCH₂CH(CH₃)O(H or CH₃) (propylene glycol methyl (or dimethyl) ether), CH₃O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or CH₃) (dipropylene glycol methyl (or dimethyl) ether), CH₃O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or CH₃) (tripropylene glycol methyl (or dimethyl) ether), C₂H₅OCH₂CH(CH₃)O(H or C₂H₅) (propylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl) ether), C₂H₅O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or C₂H₅) (dipropylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl) ether), C₂H₅O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or C₂H₅) (tripropylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl) ether), C₃H₇OCH₂CH(CH₃)O(H or C₃H₇) (propylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl) ether), C₃H₇O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or C₃H₇) (dipropylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl) ether), C₃H₇O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or C₃H₇) (tripropylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl) ether), C₄HOCH₂CH(CH₃)OH (propylene glycol n-butyl ether), C₄H₉O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or C₄H₉) (dipropylene glycol n-butyl (or di-n-butyl) ether), C₄H₉O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or C₄H₉) (tripropylene glycol n-butyl (or di-n-butyl) ether), (CH₃)₃COCH₂CH(CH₃)OH (propylene glycol t-butyl ether), (CH₃)₃CO[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or (CH₃)₃) (dipropylene glycol t-butyl (or di-t-butyl) ether), (CH₃)₃CO[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or (CH₃)₃) (tripropylene glycol t-butyl (or di-t-butyl) ether), C₅H₁₁OCH₂CH(CH₃)OH (propylene glycol n-pentyl ether), C₄H₉OCH₂CH(C₂H₅)OH (butylene glycol n-butyl ether), C₄H₉O[CH₂CH(C₂H₅)O]₂H (dibutylene glycol n-butyl ether), trimethylolpropane tri-n-butyl ether (C₂H₅C(CH₂O(CH₂)₃CH₃)₃) and trimethylolpropane di-n-butyl ether (C₂H₅C(CH₂OC(CH₂)₃CH₃)₂CH₂OH).

Amide solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise those represented by the formulae R¹C(O)NR²R³ and cyclo-[R⁴C(O)N(R⁵)], wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are independently selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R⁴ is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said amides have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units. The molecular weight of said amides is preferably from about 160 to about 250 atomic mass units. R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ may optionally include substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals containing non-hydrocarbon substituents selected from halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g. methoxy). R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ may optionally include heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals, which contain the atoms nitrogen (aza-), oxygen (oxa-) or sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain otherwise composed of carbon atoms. In general, no more than three non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms, and preferably no more than one, will be present for each 10 carbon atoms in R¹⁻³, and the presence of any such non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms must be considered in applying the aforementioned molecular weight limitations. Preferred amide solubilizing agents consist of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. Representative R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational isomers. A preferred embodiment of amide solubilizing agents are those wherein R⁴ in the aforementioned formula cyclo-[R⁴C(O)N(R⁵)—] may be represented by the hydrocarbylene radical (CR⁶R⁷)_(n), in other words, the formula: cyclo-[(CR⁶R⁷)_(n)C(O)N(R⁵)—] wherein: the previously-stated values for molecular weight apply; n is an integer from 3 to 5; R⁵ is a saturated hydrocarbon radical containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected (for each n) by the rules previously offered defining R¹⁻³. In the lactams represented by the formula: cyclo-[(CR⁶R⁷)_(n)C(O)N(R⁵)—], all R⁶ and R⁷ are preferably hydrogen, or contain a single saturated hydrocarbon radical among the n methylene units, and R⁵ is a saturated hydrocarbon radical containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms. For example, 1-(saturated hydrocarbon radical)-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-ones.

Representative amide solubilizing agents include but are not limited to: 1-octylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-decylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-octyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-butylcaprolactam, 1-cyclohexylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-butyl-5-methylpiperid-2-one, 1-pentyl-5-methylpiperid-2-one, 1-hexylcaprolactam, 1-hexyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, 5-methyl-1-pentylpiperid-2-one, 1,3-dimethylpiperid-2-one, 1-methylcaprolactam, 1-butyl-pyrrolidin-2-one, 1,5-dimethylpiperid-2-one, 1-decyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-dodecylpyrrolid-2-one, N,N-dibutylformamide and N,N-diisopropylacetamide.

Ketone solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise ketones represented by the formula R¹C(O)R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said ketones have a molecular weight of from about 70 to about 300 atomic mass units. R¹ and R² in said ketones are preferably independently selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 9 carbon atoms. The molecular weight of said ketones is preferably from about 100 to 200 atomic mass units. R¹ and R² may together form a hydrocarbylene radical connected and forming a five, six, or seven-membered ring cyclic ketone, for example, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, and cycloheptanone. R¹ and R² may optionally include substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals containing non-hydrocarbon substituents selected from halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g. methoxy). R¹ and R² may optionally include heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals, which contain the atoms nitrogen (aza-), oxygen (keto-, oxa-) or sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain otherwise composed of carbon atoms. In general, no more than three non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms, and preferably no more than one, will be present for each 10 carbon atoms in R¹ and R², and the presence of any such non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms must be considered in applying the aforementioned molecular weight limitations. Representative R¹ and R² aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula R¹C(O)R² include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational isomers, as well as phenyl, benzyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl, xylyl and phenethyl.

Representative ketone solubilizing agents include but are not limited to: 2-butanone, 2-pentanone, acetophenone, butyrophenone, hexanophenone, cyclohexanone, cycloheptanone, 2-heptanone, 3-heptanone, 5-methyl-2-hexanone, 2-octanone, 3-octanone, diisobutyl ketone, 4-ethylcyclohexanone, 2-nonanone, 5-nonanone, 2-decanone, 4-decanone, 2-decalone, 2-tridecanone, dihexyl ketone and dicyclohexyl ketone.

Nitrile solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise nitriles represented by the formula R¹CN, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said nitriles have a molecular weight of from about 90 to about 200 atomic mass units. R¹ in said nitrile solubilizing agents is preferably selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 8 to 10 carbon atoms. The molecular weight of said nitrile solubilizing agents is preferably from about 120 to about 140 atomic mass units. R¹ may optionally include substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals containing non-hydrocarbon substituents selected from halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g. methoxy). R¹ may optionally include heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals, which contain the atoms nitrogen (aza-), oxygen (keto-, oxa-) or sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain otherwise composed of carbon atoms. In general, no more than three non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms, and preferably no more than one, will be present for each 10 carbon atoms in R¹, and the presence of any such non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms must be considered in applying the aforementioned molecular weight limitations. Representative R¹ aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula R¹CN include pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational isomers, as well as phenyl, benzyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl, xylyl and phenethyl.

Representative nitrile solubilizing agents include but are not limited to: 1-cyanopentane, 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanopentane, 1-cyanohexane, 1-cyanoheptane, 1-cyanooctane, 2-cyanooctane, 1-cyanononane, 1-cyanodecane, 2-cyanodecane, 1-cyanoundecane and 1-cyanododecane.

Chlorocarbon solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise chlorocarbons represented by the formula RCl_(x) wherein; x is selected from the integers 1 or 2; R is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said chlorocarbons have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 200 atomic mass units. The molecular weight of said chlorocarbon solubilizing agents is preferably from about 120 to 150 atomic mass units.

Representative R aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula RCl_(x) include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational isomers.

Representative chlorocarbon solubilizing agents include but are not limited to: 3-(chloromethyl)pentane, 3-chloro-3-methylpentane, 1-chlorohexane, 1,6-dichlorohexane, 1-chloroheptane, 1-chlorooctane, 1-chlorononane, 1-chlorodecane, and 1,1,1-trichlorodecane.

Ester solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise esters represented by the general formula R¹CO₂R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from linear and cyclic, saturated and unsaturated, alkyl and aryl radicals. Preferred esters consist essentially of the elements C, H and O, have a molecular weight of from about 80 to about 550 atomic mass units.

Representative esters include but are not limited to:

-   -   (CH₃)₂CHCH₂OOC(CH₂)₂₋₄OCOCH₂CH(CH₃)₂ (diisobutyl dibasic ester),         ethyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, n-butyl propionate, n-propyl         propionate, ethyl benzoate, di-n-propyl phthalate, benzoic acid         ethoxyethyl ester, dipropyl carbonate, “Exxate 700” (a         commercial C alkyl acetate), “Exxate 800” (a commercial C alkyl         acetate), dibutyl phthalate, and tert-butyl acetate.

Lactone solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise lactones represented by structures [A], [B], and [C]:

These lactones contain the functional group —CO₂— in a ring of six (A), or preferably five atoms (B), wherein for structures [A] and [B], R₁ through R₈ are independently selected from hydrogen or linear, branched, cyclic, bicyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbyl radicals. Each R₁ through R₈ may be connected forming a ring with another R₁ through R₈. The lactone may have an exocyclic alkylidene group as in structure [C], wherein R₁ through R₆ are independently selected from hydrogen or linear, branched, cyclic, bicyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbyl radicals. Each R₁ though R₆ may be connected forming a ring with another R₁ through R₆. The lactone solubilizing agents have a molecular weight range of from about 80 to about 300 atomic mass units, preferred from about 80 to about 200 atomic mass units.

Representative lactone solubilizing agents include but are not limited to the compounds listed in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Molecular Molecular Weight Additive Molecular Structure Formula (amu) (E,Z)-3-ethylidene-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₇H₁₀O₂ 126 (E,Z)-3-propylidene-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₈H₁₂O₂ 140 (E,Z)-3-butylidene-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₉H₁₄O₂ 154 (E,Z)-3-pentylidene-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₀H₁₆O₂ 168 (E,Z)-3-Hexylidene-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₁H₁₈O₂ 182 (E,Z)-3-Heptylidene-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₂H₂₀O₂ 196 (E,Z)-3-octylidene-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₃H₂₂O₂ 210 (E,Z)-3-nonylidene-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₄H₂₄O₂ 224 (E,Z)-3-(3,5,5- trimethylhexylidene)-5- methyl-dihydrofuran-2-one

C₁₄H₂₄O₂ 224 (E,Z)-3- cyclohexylmethylidene-5- methyl-dihydrofuran-2-one

C₁₂H₁₈O₂ 194 gamma-octalactone

C₈H₁₄O₂ 142 gamma-nonalactone

C₉H₁₆O₂ 156 gamma-decalactone

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170 gamma-undecalactone

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 gamma-dodecalactone

C₁₂H₂₂O₂ 198 3-hexyldihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170 3-heptyldihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 cis-3-ethyl-5-methyl-dihydro- furan-2-one

C₇H₁₂O₂ 128 cis-(3-propyl-5-methyl)- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₈H₁₄O₂ 142 cis-(3-butyl-5-methyl)-dihydro- furan-2-one

C₉H₁₆O₂ 156 cis-(3-pentyl-5-methyl)- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170 cis-3-hexyl-5-methyl-dihydro- furan-2-one

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 cis-3-heptyl-5-methyl-dihydro- furan-2-one

C₁₂H₂₂O₂ 198 cis-3-octyl-5-methyl-dihydro- furan-2-one

C₁₃H₂₄O₂ 212 cis-3-(3,5,5-trimethylhexyl)-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₄H₂₆O₂ 226 cis-3-cyclohexylmethyl-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₂H₂₀O₂ 196 5-methyl-5-hexyl-dihydro- furan-2-one

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 5-methyl-5-octyl-dihydro- furan-2-one

C₁₃H₂₄O₂ 212 Hexahydro-isobenzofuran-1- one

C₈H₁₂O₂ 140 delta-decalactone

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170 delta-undecalactone

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 delta-dodecalactone

C₁₂H₂₂O₂ 198 mixture of 4-hexyl- dihydrofuran-2-one and 3- hexyl-dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170

Lactone solubilizing agents generally have a kinematic viscosity of less than about 7 centistokes at 40° C. For instance, gamma-undecalactone has kinematic viscosity of 5.4 centistokes and cis-(3-hexyl-5-methyl)dihydrofuran-2-one has viscosity of 4.5 centistokes both at 40° C. Lactone solubilizing agents may be available commercially or prepared by methods as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/910,495, filed Aug. 3, 2004, incorporated herein by reference.

Aryl ether solubilizing agents of the present invention further comprise aryl ethers represented by the formula R¹OR², wherein: R¹ is selected from aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and wherein said aryl ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 150 atomic mass units. Representative R¹ aryl radicals in the general formula R¹OR² include phenyl, biphenyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl, xylyl, naphthyl and pyridyl. Representative R² aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula R¹OR² include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl. Representative aromatic ether solubilizing agents include but are not limited to: methyl phenyl ether (anisole), 1,3-dimethyoxybenzene, ethyl phenyl ether and butyl phenyl ether.

Fluoroether solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise those represented by the general formula R¹OCF₂CF₂H, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms, preferably primary, linear, saturated, alkyl radicals. Representative fluoroether solubilizing agents include but are not limited to: C₈H₁₇OCF₂CF₂H and C₆H₁₃OCF₂CF₂H. It should be noted that if the refrigerant is a fluoroether, then the solubilizing agent may not be the same fluoroether.

Fluoroether solubilizing agents may further comprise ethers derived from fluoroolefins and polyols. The fluoroolefins may be of the type CF₂═CXY, wherein X is hydrogen, chlorine or fluorine, and Y is chlorine, fluorine, CF₃ or OR_(f), wherein R_(f) is CF₃, C₂F₅, or C₃F₇. Representative fluoroolefins are tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and perfluoromethylvinyl ether. The polyols may be linear or branched. Linear polyols may be of the type HOCH₂(CHOH)_(x)(CRR′)_(y)CH₂OH, wherein R and R′ are hydrogen, or CH₃, or C₂H₅ and wherein x is an integer from 0-4, and y is an integer from 0-4. Branched polyols may be of the type C(OH)_(t)(R)_(u)(CH₂OH)_(v)[(CH₂)_(m)CH₂OH]_(w), wherein R may be hydrogen, CH₃ or C₂H₅, m may be an integer from 0 to 3, t and u may be 0 or 1, v and w are integers from 0 to 4, and also wherein t+u+v+w=4. Representative polyols are trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol, butanediol, and ethylene glycol.

1,1,1-Trifluoroalkane solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes represented by the general formula CF₃R¹, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms, preferably primary, linear, saturated, alkyl radicals. Representative 1,1,1-trifluoroalkane solubilizing agents include but are not limited to: 1,1,1-trifluorohexane and 1,1,1-trifluorododecane.

Solubilizing agents of the present invention may be present as a single compound, or may be present as a mixture of more than one solubilizing agent. Mixtures of solubilizing agents may contain two solubilizing agents from the same class of compounds, say two lactones, or two solubilizing agents from two different classes, such as a lactone and a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether.

In the present compositions comprising refrigerant and UV fluorescent dye, or comprising heat transfer fluid and UV fluorescent dye, from about 0.001 weight percent to about 1.0 weight percent of the composition is UV dye, preferably from about 0.005 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent, and most preferably from 0.01 weight percent to about 0.25 weight percent.

Solubility of these UV fluorescent dyes in refrigerant and heat transfer compositions may be poor. Therefore, methods for introducing these dyes into the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus have been awkward, costly and time consuming. U.S. Pat. No. RE 36,951, incorporated herein by reference, describes a method, which utilizes a dye powder, solid pellet or slurry of dye that may be inserted into a component of the refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus. As refrigerant and lubricant are circulated through the apparatus, the dye is dissolved or dispersed and carried throughout the apparatus. Numerous other methods for introducing dye into a refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus are described in the literature.

Ideally, the UV fluorescent dye could be dissolved in the refrigerant thereby not requiring any specialized method for introduction to the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus. The present invention relates to compositions including UV fluorescent dye, which may be introduced into the system dissolved in the refrigerant in combination with a solubilizing agent. The inventive compositions will allow the storage and transport of dye-containing refrigerant and heat transfer fluid even at low temperatures while maintaining the dye in solution.

In the present compositions comprising refrigerant, UV fluorescent dye and solubilizing agent, or comprising heat transfer fluid and UV fluorescent dye and solubilizing agent, from about 1 to about 50 weight percent, preferably from about 2 to about 25 weight percent, and most preferably from about 5 to about 15 weight percent of the combined composition is solubilizing agent in the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid. In the compositions of the present invention the UV fluorescent dye is present in a concentration from about 0.001 weight percent to about 1.0 weight percent in the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid, preferably from 0.005 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent, and most preferably from 0.01 weight percent to about 0.25 weight percent.

Solubilizing agents such as ketones may have an objectionable odor, which can be masked by addition of an odor masking agent or fragrance. Typical examples of odor masking agents or fragrances may include Evergreen, Fresh Lemon, Cherry, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Floral or Orange Peel, all of which are commercially available, as well as d-limonene and pinene. Such odor masking agents may be used at concentrations of from about 0.001% to as much as about 15% by weight based on the combined weight of odor masking agent and solubilizing agent.

The present invention further relates to a method of using the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions comprising ultraviolet fluorescent dye to detect leaks in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus. The presence of the dye in the compositions allows for detection of leaking refrigerant in the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus. Leak detection helps to one to address, resolve and/or prevent inefficient operation of the apparatus or system or equipment failure. Leak detection also helps one contain chemicals used in the operation of the apparatus.

The method comprises providing the composition comprising refrigerant, ultra-violet fluorescent dye or comprising heat transfer fluid and UV fluorescent dye, as described herein, and optionally, a solubilizing agent as described herein, to refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus and employing a suitable means for detecting the UV fluorescent dye-containing refrigerant. Suitable means for detecting the dye include, but are not limited to, ultra-violet lamps, often referred to as a “black light” or “blue light”. Such ultra-violet lamps are commercially available from numerous sources specifically designed for detecting UV fluorescent dye. Once the ultra-violet fluorescent dye containing composition has been introduced to the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus and has been allowed to circulate throughout the system, a leak point or the vicinity of the leak point can be located by shining said ultra-violet lamp on the apparatus and observing the fluorescence of the dye in the vicinity of any leak point.

Mechanical refrigeration is primarily an application of thermodynamics wherein a cooling medium, such as a refrigerant, goes through a cycle so that it can be recovered for reuse. Commonly used cycles include vapor-compression, absorption, steam-jet or steam-ejector, and air.

Vapor-compression refrigeration systems include an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device. A vapor-compression cycle re-uses refrigerant in multiple steps producing a cooling effect in one step and a heating effect in a different step. The cycle can be described simply as follows. Liquid refrigerant enters an evaporator through an expansion device, and the liquid refrigerant boils in the evaporator at a low temperature to form a gas and produce cooling. The low-pressure gas enters a compressor where the gas is compressed to raise its pressure and temperature. The higher-pressure (compressed) gaseous refrigerant then enters the condenser in which the refrigerant condenses and discharges its heat to the environment. The refrigerant returns to the expansion device through which the liquid expands from the higher-pressure level in the condenser to the low-pressure level in the evaporator, thus repeating the cycle.

There are various types of compressors that may be used in refrigeration applications. Compressors can be generally classified as reciprocating, rotary, jet, centrifugal, scroll, screw or axial-flow, depending on the mechanical means to compress the fluid, or as positive-displacement (e.g., reciprocating, scroll or screw) or dynamic (e.g., centrifugal or jet), depending on how the mechanical elements act on the fluid to be compressed.

The compositions of the present invention comprising fluoroolefins may be useful in any of the compressor types mentioned above. The choice of refrigerant for any given compressor will depend on many factors including for instance, boiling point and vapor pressure requirements.

Either positive displacement or dynamic compressors may be used in the present inventive processes. A centrifugal type compressor is one preferred type of equipment for certain of the refrigerant compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin.

A centrifugal compressor uses rotating elements to accelerate the refrigerant radially, and typically includes an impeller and diffuser housed in a casing. Centrifugal compressors usually take fluid in at an impeller eye, or central inlet of a circulating impeller, and accelerate it radially outward. Some static pressure rise occurs in the impeller, but most of the pressure rise occurs in the diffuser section of the casing, where velocity is converted to static pressure. Each impeller-diffuser set is a stage of the compressor. Centrifugal compressors are built with from 1 to 12 or more stages, depending on the final pressure desired and the volume of refrigerant to be handled.

The pressure ratio, or compression ratio, of a compressor is the ratio of absolute discharge pressure to the absolute inlet pressure. Pressure delivered by a centrifugal compressor is practically constant over a relatively wide range of capacities.

Positive displacement compressors draw vapor into a chamber, and the chamber decreases in volume to compress the vapor. After being compressed, the vapor is forced from the chamber by further decreasing the volume of the chamber to zero or nearly zero. A positive displacement compressor can build up a pressure, which is limited only by the volumetric efficiency and the strength of the parts to withstand the pressure.

Unlike a positive displacement compressor, a centrifugal compressor depends entirely on the centrifugal force of the high-speed impeller to compress the vapor passing through the impeller. There is no positive displacement, but rather what is called dynamic-compression.

The pressure a centrifugal compressor can develop depends on the tip speed of the impeller. Tip speed is the speed of the impeller measured at its tip and is related to the diameter of the impeller and its revolutions per minute. The capacity of the centrifugal compressor is determined by the size of the passages through the impeller. This makes the size of the compressor more dependent on the pressure required than the capacity.

Because of its high-speed operation, a centrifugal compressor is fundamentally a high volume, low-pressure machine. A centrifugal compressor works best with a low-pressure refrigerant, such as trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) or 1,2,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (CFC-113). Some of the low pressure refrigerant fluids of the present invention may be suitable as drop-in replacements for CFC-113 in existing centrifugal equipment.

Large centrifugal compressors typically operate at 3000 to 7000 revolutions per minute (rpm). Small turbine centrifugal compressors (mini-centrifugal compressors) are designed for high speeds, from about 40,000 to about 70,000 (rpm), and have small impeller sizes, typically less than 0.15 meters (about 6 inches).

A multi-stage impeller may be used in a centrifugal compressor to improve compressor efficiency thus requiring less power in use. For a two-stage system, in operation, the discharge of the first stage impeller goes to the suction intake of a second impeller. Both impellers may operate by use of a single shaft (or axle). Each stage can build up a compression ratio of about 4 to 1; that is, the absolute discharge pressure can be four times the absolute suction pressure. Several examples of two-stage centrifugal compressor systems, particularly for automotive applications, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,065,990 and 5,363,674, both incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure further relates to a method for producing heating or cooling in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising introducing a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition into said apparatus having (a) a centrifugal compressor; (b) a multi-stage centrifugal compressor, or (c) a single slab/single pass heat exchanger; wherein said refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprises at least one fluoroolefin selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (i) fluoroolefins of the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹         and R² are, independently, C₁ to C₆ perfluoroalkyl groups;     -   (ii) cyclic fluoroolefins of the formula         cyclo-[CX═CY(CZW)_(n)—], wherein X, Y, Z, and W, independently,         are H or F, and n is an integer from 2 to 5; or     -   (iii) fluoroolefins selected from the group consisting of:         1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CHF);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CF₂);         1,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CHF);         2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CHF);         1,1,2,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCF═CF₂);         1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CF₂);         2,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CF═CH₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CF₃CH═CH₂); 1,1,2-trifluoro-1-propene         (CH₃CF═CF₂); 1,1,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCH═CF₂);         1,2,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂FCF═CHF);         1,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CHF₂CH═CHF);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene(CF₃CF═CFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCF₃);         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene ((CF₃)₂C═CHF);         1,1,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4-heptafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CF═CH₂);         1,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,2,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCF₂CH₂F);         1,1,2,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (CF₂═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,3-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-propene (CH₂═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCH═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CH═CFCH₂F);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CF₃CF₂CH═CH₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CH═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CFCF₃);         2,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCF₂CHF₂);         1,1,2,4,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CHF₂CF═CHCHF₂);         1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₃CF₂CF═CF₂);         1,1,2,3,4-pentafluoro-2-butene (CH₂FCF═CFCHF₂);         1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CF₂═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2-(difluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)(CF₃));         2,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCH₂CF₃);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCHFCF₃);         1,3,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (CHF═CFCHFCHF₂);         3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-1-butene (CH₂═CHCF₂CHF₂);         1,1-difluoro-2-(difluoromethyl)-1-propene (CF₂═C(CHF₂)(CH₃));         1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-methyl-1-propene (CHF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2-difluoromethyl-3,3-difluoro-1-propene (CH₂═C(CHF₂)₂);         1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CF₃CF═CHCH₃);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (CH₃CF═CHCF₃);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-1-pentene (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CHF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CHF₂); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CFCHFCF₃);         1,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CFCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,2,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CF₃CH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF(CF₃)₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CF₃); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoro-1-pentene         (CHF═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂);         3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,4,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CF₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         3,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         ((CF₃)₂CFCH═CH₂); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂); 2,3,3,4,4,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CF₂CHF₂); 1,1,3,3,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-butene         (CF₂═CHCF₂CH₂CF₃); 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃CF═C(CF₃)(CH₃));         2,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CFCH(CF₃)₂);         1,4,4,4-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CHF═CHCH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,4-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₂FCH═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         (CH₃CF═C(CF₃)₂); 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCH₃); 3,4,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2-butene         (CF₃C(CH₃)═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,5,5,5-hexafluoro-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CHFCF₃); 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro-1-butene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂CF₃);         1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-1-hexene (CF₃(CF₂)₃CF═CF₂);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CFCF₃);         1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHC₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂CFCF═CHCF₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₂CH═CH₂);         4,4,4-trifluoro-3,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1-butene         (CH₂═CHC(CF₃)₃);         1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-3-methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene         ((CF₃)₂C═C(CH₃)(CF₃));         2,3,3,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═CFCF₂CH(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-3-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═C(CH₃)CF₂CF₃);         1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         (CF₃CH═CHCH(CF₃)₂); 3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-octafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CF═CHCH₃); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂);         1,1,1,4,4-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CHCF₂CH₃);         4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1-pentene         (CH₂═C(CF₃)CH₂C₂F₅);         3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂C(CH₃)═CH₂); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF₂CH═CHCH₃); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-hexene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF₂C₂F₅); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4-heptafluoro-3-hexene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFC₂H₅);         4,5,5,5-tetrafluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-1-pentene         (CH₂═CHCH₂CF(CF₃)₂);         1,1,1,2,5,5,5-heptafluoro-4-methyl-2-pentene         (CF₃CF═CHCH(CF₃)(CH₃));         1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-2-pentene         ((CF₃)₂C═CFC₂H₅);         1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tetradecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CH═CFCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-2-heptene         (CF₃CF═CHCF₂CF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CH═CFCF₂C₂F₅);         1,1,1,2,2,3,5,5,6,6,7,7,7-tridecafluoro-3-heptene         (CF₃CF₂CF═CHCF₂C₂F₅); CF₂═CFOCF₂CF₃ (PEVE); CF₂═CFOCF₃ (PMVE)         and combinations thereof.

The method for producing heating or cooling may be used in stationary air-conditioning, heat pumps or mobile air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. Stationary air-conditioning and heat pump applications include window, ductless, ducted, packaged terminal, chillers and commercial, including packaged rooftop. Refrigeration applications include domestic or home refrigerators and freezers, ice machines, self-contained coolers and freezers, walk-in coolers and freezers and transport refrigeration systems.

The compositions of the present invention may additionally be used in air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems that employ fin and tube heat exchangers, microchannel heat exchangers and vertical or horizontal single pass tube or plate type heat exchangers.

Conventional microchannel heat exchangers may not be ideal for the low pressure refrigerant compositions of the present invention. The low operating pressure and density result in high flow velocities and high frictional losses in all components. In these cases, the evaporator design may be modified. Rather than several microchannel slabs connected in series (with respect to the refrigerant path) a single slab/single pass heat exchanger arrangement may be used. Therefore, a preferred heat exchanger for the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions of the present invention is a single slab/single pass heat exchanger.

The present invention further relates to a process for producing cooling comprising evaporating the fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention in the vicinity of a body to be cooled, and thereafter condensing said compositions.

The present invention further relates to a process for producing heat comprising condensing the fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention in the vicinity of a body to be heated, and thereafter evaporating said compositions.

The present invention further relates to a process to produce cooling comprising compressing a composition comprising at least one fluoroolefin in a centrifugal compressor, condensing said composition, and thereafter evaporating said composition in the vicinity of a body to be cooled. Additionally, the centrifugal compressor of the inventive method may be a multi-stage centrifugal compressor and preferably a 2-stage centrifugal compressor.

The present invention further relates to a process to produce cooling in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said apparatus comprises at least one single slab/single pass heat exchanger, said process comprising condensing a composition of the present invention, and thereafter evaporating said composition in the vicinity of a body to be cooled.

The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in small turbine centrifugal compressors (mini-centrifugal compressors), which can be used in auto and window air-conditioning, heat pumps, or transport refrigeration, as well as other applications. These high efficiency mini-centrifugal compressors may be driven by an electric motor and can therefore be operated independently of the engine speed. A constant compressor speed allows the system to provide a relatively constant cooling capacity at all engine speeds. This provides an opportunity for efficiency improvements especially at higher engine speeds as compared to a conventional R-134a automobile air-conditioning system. When the cycling operation of conventional systems at high driving speeds is taken into account, the advantage of these low pressure systems becomes even greater.

Alternatively, rather than use electrical power, the mini-centrifugal compressor may be powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine or a ratioed gear drive assembly with ratioed belt drive. The electrical power available in current automobile design is about 14 volts, but the new mini-centrifugal compressor requires electrical power of about 50 volts.

Therefore, use of an alternative power source would be advantageous. A refrigeration apparatus or air-conditioning apparatus powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine is described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/367,517, filed Mar. 3, 2006. A refrigeration apparatus or air-conditioning apparatus powered by a ratioed gear drive assembly is described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/378,832, filed Mar. 17, 2006.

The present invention further relates to a process to produce cooling comprising compressing a composition of the present invention, in a mini-centrifugal compressor powered by an engine exhaust gas driven turbine; condensing said composition; and thereafter evaporating said composition in the vicinity of a body to be cooled.

The present invention further relates to a process to produce cooling comprising compressing a composition of the present invention, in a mini-centrifugal compressor powered by a ratioed gear drive assembly with a ratioed belt drive; condensing said composition; and thereafter evaporating said composition in the vicinity of a body to be cooled.

The present invention relates to a process to produce cooling in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said apparatus comprises at least one single slab/single pass heat exchanger, said process comprising compressing a composition of the present invention, in a centrifugal compressor, condensing said composition, and thereafter evaporating said composition in the vicinity of a body to be cooled.

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing or substituting for a refrigerant composition having a GWP of about 150 or more, or a high GWP refrigerant, with a composition having a lower GWP. One method comprises providing a composition comprising at least one fluoroolefin of the present invention as the replacement. In another embodiment of the present invention the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition of the present invention, having a lower GWP than the composition being replaced or substituted is introduced into the refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump apparatus. In some cases, the high GWP refrigerant present in the apparatus will need to be removed from the apparatus before introduction of the lower GWP compositions. In other cases, the fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention may be introduced into the apparatus while the high GWP refrigerant is present.

Global warming potentials (GWPs) are an index for estimating relative global warming contribution due to atmospheric emission of a kilogram of a particular greenhouse gas compared to emission of a kilogram of carbon dioxide. GWP can be calculated for different time horizons showing the effect of atmospheric lifetime for a given gas. The GWP for the 100 year time horizon is commonly the value referenced.

A high GWP refrigerant would be any compound capable of functioning as a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid having a GWP at the 100 year time horizon of about 1000 or greater, alternatively 500 or greater, 150 or greater, 100 or greater, or 50 or greater. Refrigerants and heat transfer fluids that are in need of replacement, based upon GWP calculations published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), include but are not limited to HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane).

The present invention will provide compositions that have zero or low ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential (GWP). The fluoroolefins of the present invention or mixtures of fluoroolefins of this invention with other refrigerants will have global warming potentials that are less than many hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants currently in use. Typically, the fluoroolefins of the present invention are expected to have GWP of less than about 25. One aspect of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant with a global warming potential of less than 1000, less than 500, less than 150, less than 100, or less than 50. Another aspect of the present invention is to reduce the net GWP of refrigerant mixtures by adding fluoroolefins to said mixtures.

The present invention further relates to a method for lowering the GWP of a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid, said method comprising combining said refrigerant or heat transfer fluid with at least one fluoroolefin of the present invention. In another embodiment, the method for lowering the global warming potential comprises combining said first composition with a composition comprising at least one fluorolefin, to produce a second composition suitable for use as a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid, and wherein said second composition has a lower global warming potential than said first composition. It may be determined that the GWP of a mixture or combination of compounds may be calculated as a weighted average of the GWP for each of the pure compounds.

The present invention further relates to a method of using the composition of the present invention comprising at least one fluoroolefin to lower global warming potential of an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said method comprising combining said original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition with the composition of the present invention comprising at least one fluoroolefin, to produce a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition wherein said second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition has a lower global warming potential than said original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition.

The present invention further relates to a method for reducing the GWP of an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition in a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus, wherein said original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid has a GWP of about 150 or higher, said method comprising introducing a second, lower GWP refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition of the present invention into said refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus.

The present method for reducing the GWP of an original refrigerant may further comprise removing the original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition from said refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus before the second, lower GWP refrigerant or heat transfer fluid is introduced.

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition with a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising providing a composition of the present invention as the second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition. An original refrigerant may be any refrigerant being used in a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus in need of replacement The original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid needing replacement may be any of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants, hydrochlorofluorocarbon, refrigerants, fluoroether refrigerants, or blends of refrigerant compounds.

The hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants of the present invention which may need replacing include but are not limited to: CHF₃ (HFC-23), CH₂F₂ (HFC-32), CH₃F (HFC-41), CHF₂CF₃ (HFC-125), CHF₂CHF₂ (HFC-134), CH₂FCF₃ (HFC-134a), CHF₂CH₂F (HFC143), CF₃CH₃ (HFC-143a), CHF₂CH₃ (HFC-152a), CH₂FCH₃ (HFC-161), CHF₂CF₂CF₃ (HFC-227ca), CF₃CFHCF₃ (HFC-227ea), CHF₂CF₂CHF₂ (HFC-236ca), CH₂FCF₂CF₃ (HFC-236cb), CHF₂CHFCF₃ (HFC-236ea), CF₃CH₂CF₃ (HFC-236fa), CH₂FCF₂CHF₂ (HFC-245ca), CH₃CF₂CF₃ (HFC-245cb), CHF₂CHFCHF₂ (HFC-245ea), CH₂FCHFCF₃ (HFC-245eb), CHF₂CH₂CF₃ (HFC-245fa), CH₂FCF₂CH₂F (HFC-254ca), CH₃CF₂CHF₂ (HFC-254cb), CH₂FCHFCHF₂ (HFC-254ea), CH₃CHFCF₃ (HFC-254eb), CHF₂CH₂CHF₂ (HFC-254fa), CH₂FCH₂CF₃ (HFC-254fb), CF₃CH₂CH₃ (HFC-263fb), CH₃CF₂CH₂F (HFC-263ca), CH₃CF₂CH₃ (HFC-272ca), CH₃CHFCH₂F (HFC-272ea), CH₂FCH₂CH₂F (HFC-272fa), CH₃CH₂CF₂H (HFC-272fb), CH₃CHFCH₃ (HFC-281ea), CH₃CH₂CH₂F (HFC-281fa), CHF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂H (HFC-338pcc), CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃ (HFC-365mfc), CF₃CHFCHFCF₂CF₃ (HFC-43-10mee). These hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants are available commercially or may be prepared by methods known in the art.

Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants of the present invention may further comprise the azeotropic, azeotrope-like and non-azeotropic compositions, including HFC-125/HFC-143a/HFC-134a (known by the ASHRAE designation, R404 or R404A), HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-134a (known by ASHRAE designations, R407 or R407A, R407B, or R407C), HFC-32/HFC-125 (R410 or R410A), and HFC-125/HFC-143a (known by the ASHRAE designation: R507 or R507A), R413A (a blend of R134a/R218/isobutane), R423A (a blend of R134a/R227ea), R507A (a blend of R125/R143a), and others.

Chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants of the present invention which may need replacing include R22 (CHF₂Cl), R123 (CHCl₂CF₃), R124 (CHClFCF₃), R502 (being a blend of CFC-115 (CClF₂CF₃) and R22), R503 (being a blend of R23/R13 (CClF₃)), and others.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons of the present invention which may need replacing include R12 (CF₂Cl₂), R11 (CCl₃F), R113 (CCl₂FCClF₂), R114 (CF₂ClCF₂C), R401A or R401B (being blends of R22/R152a/R124), R408A (a blend of R22/R125/R143a), and others,

The fluoroether refrigerants of the present invention which may need replacing may comprise compounds similar to hydrofluorocarbons, which also contain at least one ether group oxygen atom. The fluoroether refrigerants include but are not limited to C₄F₉OCH₃, and C₄F₉OC₂H₅ (both available commercially).

The original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions of the present invention which may need replacement may optionally further comprise combinations of refrigerants that contain up to 10 weight percent of dimethyl ether, or at least one C₃ to C₅ hydrocarbon, e.g., propane, propylene, cyclopropane, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane and neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane). Examples of refrigerants containing such C₃ to C hydrocarbons are azeotrope-like compositions of HCFC-22/HFC-125/propane (known by the ASHRAE designation, R402 or R402A and R402B), HCFC-22/octafluoropropane/propane (known by the ASHRAE designation, R403 or R403A and R403B), octafluoropropane/HFC-134a/isobutane (known by the ASHRAE designation, R413 or R413A), HCFC-22/HCFC-124/HCFC-142b/isobutane (known by the ASHRAE designation, R414 or R414A and R414B), HFC-134a/HCFC-124/n-butane (known by the ASHRAE designation, R416 or R416A), HFC-125/HFC-134a/n-butane (known by the ASHRAE designation, R417 or R417A), HFC-125/HFC-134a/dimethyl ether (known by the ASHRAE designation, R419 or R419A), and HFC-125/HFC-134a/isobutane (known by ASHRAE designation, R422, R422A, R422B, R422C, R422D).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R134a (HFC-134a, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, CF₃CH₂F) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting R134a with a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R152a (HFC-152a, 1,1-difluoroethane, CHF₂CH₃) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting R152a with a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFC-1234ze), 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf), 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf), and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing R227ea (HFC-227ea, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, CF₃CHFCF₃) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises providing as a substitute a composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFC-1234ze), 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf), 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf), and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R113 (CFC-113, 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, CFCl₂CF₂Cl) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-152-11mmyyz); 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-152-11mmtz); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene (HFC-151-12mcy); 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (HFC-1354mzy); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-151-12mmtt); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-decafluorocyclohexene (FC-C151-10y); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene (HFC-1567fts); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene (PFBE); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene (HFC-1567szz); 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-2-hexene (F13E); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-151-12mmzz); and 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-3-hexene (F22E).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R43-10mee (HFC-43-10mee), 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, CF₃CHFCHFCF₂CF₃) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-152-11mmyyz); 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-152-11mmtz); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene (HFC-151-12mcy); 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (HFC-1354mzy); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-151-12mmtt); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-decafluorocyclohexene (FC-C151-10y); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene (HFC-1567fts); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene (PFBE); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene (HFC-1567szz); 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-2-hexene (F13E); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-151-12mmzz); and 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-3-hexene (F22E).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being C₄F₉OCH₃ (perfluorobutyl methyl ether) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-152-11mmyyz); 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-152-11mmtz); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene (HFC-151-12mcy); 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (HFC-1354mzy); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-151-12mmtt); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-decafluorocyclohexene (FC-C151-10y); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene (HFC-1567fts); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene (PFBE); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene (HFC-1567szz); 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-2-hexene (F13E); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-151-12mmzz); and 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-3-hexene (F22E).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R365mfc (HFC-365mfc, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane, CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-152-11mmyyz); 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-152-11mmtz); 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-3-hexene (HFC-151-12mcy); 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene (HFC-1354mzy); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-151-12mmtt); 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-decafluorocyclohexene (FC-C151-10y); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2-methyl-1-pentene (HFC-1567fts); 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene (PFBE); 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2-hexene (HFC-1567szz); 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-2-hexene (F13E); 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-151-12mmzz); and 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro-3-hexene (F22E).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R11 (CFC-11, trichlorofluoromethane, CFCl₃) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluorocyclopentene (FC-C1418y); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (FC-141-10myy); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene (HFC-1429myz); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene (HFC-1429mzy); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene (HFC-1447fz); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (F11E); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-1429mzt); and 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-pentene (F12E).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R123 (HCFC-123, 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, CF₃CHCl₂) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluorocyclopentene (FC-C1418y); 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-2-pentene (FC-141-10myy); 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene (HFC-1429myz); 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-pentene (HFC-1429mzy); 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-1-pentene (HFC-1447fz); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (F11E); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (HFC-1429mzt); and 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-pentene (F12E).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R245fa (HFC-245fa, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, CF₃CH₂CHF₂) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 2,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243yf); 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (F11E); 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234ze); 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro-2-butene (HFC-1327my); 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234ye); and pentafluoroethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PEVE).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R114 (CFC-114, 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, CFCl₂CF₂Cl) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene (FC-1318my); 1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorocyclobutene (FC-C1316cc); 2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (HFC-1336yf); and 3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (HFC-1345fz).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R236fa (HFC-236fa, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, CF₃CH₂CF₃) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro-2-butene (FC-1318my); 1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorocyclobutene (FC-C1316cc); 2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butene (HFC-1336yf); and 3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1-butene (HFC-1345fz).

The present invention relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R401A in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFC-1234ze); 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye); 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf); and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE). R401A is the ASHRAE designation for a refrigerant blend containing about 53 weight percent HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane, CHF₂Cl), about 13 weight percent HFC-152a (1,1-difluoroethane, CHF₂CH₃), and about 34 weight percent HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, CF₃CHClF).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R401B in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFC-1234ze); 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye); 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf); and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE). R401B is the ASHRAE designation for a refrigerant blend containing about 61 weight percent HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane, CHF₂Cl), about 11 weight percent HFC-152a (1,1-difluoroethane, CHF₂CH₃), and about 28 weight percent HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,12-tetrafluoroethane, CF₃CHClF).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R409A in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFC-1234ze); 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye); 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf); and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE). R409A is the ASHRAE designation for a refrigerant blend containing about 60 weight percent HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane, CHF₂C), about 25 weight percent HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, CF₃CHClF), and about 15 weight percent 10 HCFC-142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, CF₂ClCH₃).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R409B in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFC-1234ze); 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye); 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf); and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE). R409B is the ASHRAE designation for a refrigerant blend containing about 65 weight percent HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane, CHF₂C), about 25 weight percent HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, CF₃CHClF), and about 10 weight percent HCFC-142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, CF₂ClCH₃).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R414B in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFC-1234ze), 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf), 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf), and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE). R414B is the ASHRAE designation for a refrigerant blend containing about 50 weight percent HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane, CHF₂C), about 39 weight percent HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,12-tetrafluoroethane, CF₃CHClF), about 1.5 weight percent isobutane (R600a, CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃) and about 9.5 weight percent HCFC-142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, CF₂ClCH₃).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R416A in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (E-HFC-1234ze); 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye); 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf); and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE). R416A is the ASHRAE designation for a refrigerant blend containing about 59 weight percent HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, CF₃CH₂F)), about 39.5 weight percent HCFC-124 (2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, CF₃CHClF), and about 1.5 weight percent n-butane (CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R12 (CFC-12, dichlorodifluoromethane, CF₂Cl₂) in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye); 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf); and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE).

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said original composition being R500 in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said method comprises substituting a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (HFC-1225ye); 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFC-1234yf); 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFC-1243zf); and trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether (PMVE). R500 is the ASHRAE designation for an azeotropic refrigerant blend containing about 73.8 weight percent R12 ((CFC-12, dichlorodifluoromethane, CF₂Cl₂) and about 26.2 weight percent R152a (HFC-152a, 1,1-difluoroethane, CHF₂CH₃).

The present invention relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition wherein the original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition is R134a or R12 and wherein said R134a or R12 is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising about 1.0 weight percent to about 37 weight percent HFC-32 and about 99 weight percent to about 63 weight percent HFC-1225ye. In another embodiment, the second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition may comprise about 1.0 weight percent to about 10 weight percent HFC-32 and about 99 weight percent to about 90 weight percent HFC-1225ye.

The present invention relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition wherein the original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition R22, R404A, or R410A and wherein said R22, R404A or R410A is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising about 1.0 weight percent to about 37 weight percent HFC-32 and about 99 weight percent to about 63 weight percent HFC-1225ye. In another embodiment, the second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition may comprise about 20 weight percent to about 37 weight percent HFC-32 and about 80 weight percent to about 63 weight percent HFC-1225ye.

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition wherein the original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition is R22, R404A, or R410A and wherein said R22, R404A or R410A is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising about 20 weight percent to about 95 weight percent HFC-1225ye, about 1.0 weight percent to about 65 weight percent HFC-32, and about 1.0 weight percent to about 40 weight percent HFC-125. In another embodiment, the second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprises about 30 weight percent to about 90 weight percent HFC-1225ye, about 5.0 weight percent to about 55 weight percent HFC-32, and about 1.0 weight percent to about 35 weight percent HFC-125. In yet another embodiment, the second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprises about 40 weight percent to about 85 weight percent HFC-1225ye, about 10 weight percent to about 45 weight percent HFC-32 and about 1.0 weight percent to about 28 weight percent HFC-125.

The present invention relates to a method for replacing an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition wherein the original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition is R134a or R12 and wherein said R134a or R12 is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising:

-   -   HFC-1243zf and HFC-1225ye;     -   HFC-1243zf, HFC-1225ye, and HFC-125;     -   HFC-1243zf, HFC-1225ye, and HFC-32; or     -   HFC-1243zf, HFC-1225ye, HFC-125, and HFC-32.

In all the previously described methods for replacing refrigerants, the fluoroolefins may be used to replace refrigerant in existing equipment. Additionally, the fluoroolefins may be used to replace refrigerant in existing equipment designed for use of said refrigerant. Additionally, the fluoroolefins may be used to replace refrigerant in existing equipment without the need to change or replace the lubricant.

The present invention relates to a method for reducing the fire hazard in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising introducing a composition of the present invention into said refrigerant apparatus or air-conditioning apparatus.

Refrigerant that may leak from a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, is a major concern when considering flammability. Should a leak occur in a refrigeration apparatus or air-conditioning apparatus, refrigerant and potentially a small amount of lubricant may be released from the system. If this leaking material comes in contact with an ignition source, a fire may result. By fire hazard is meant the probability that a fire may occur either within or in the vicinity of a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus. Reducing the fire hazard in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus may be accomplished by using a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid that is not considered flammable as determined and defined by the methods and standards described previously herein. Additionally, the non-flammable fluoroolefins of the present invention may be added to a flammable refrigerant or heat transfer fluid, either in the apparatus already or prior to adding to the apparatus. The non-flammable fluoroolefins of the present invention reduce the probability of a fire in the event of a leak and/or reduce the degree of fire hazard by reducing the temperature or size of any flame produced.

The present invention further relates to a method for reducing fire hazard in or in the vicinity of a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising combining at least one non-flammable fluoroolefin with a flammable refrigerant and introducing the combination into a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus.

The present invention further relates to a method for reducing fire hazard in or in the vicinity of a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising combining at least one non-flammable fluoroolefin with a lubricant and introducing the combination into the refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus comprising flammable refrigerant.

The present invention further relates to a method for reducing fire hazard in or in the vicinity of a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising introducing at least one fluoroolefin into said apparatus.

The present invention further relates to a method of using a flammable refrigerant in refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus, or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising combining said flammable refrigerant with at least one fluoroolefin.

The present invention further relates to a method for reducing flammability of a flammable refrigerant or heat transfer fluid, said method comprising combining the flammable refrigerant with at least one fluoroolefin.

The present invention further relates to a process for transfer of heat from a heat source to a heat sink wherein the compositions of the present invention serve as heat transfer fluids. Said process for heat transfer comprises transporting the compositions of the present invention from a heat source to a heat sink.

Heat transfer fluids are utilized to transfer, move or remove heat from one space, location, object or body to a different space, location, object or body by radiation, conduction, or convection. A heat transfer fluid may function as a secondary coolant by providing means of transfer for cooling (or heating) from a remote refrigeration (or heating) system. In some systems, the heat transfer fluid may remain in a constant state throughout the transfer process (i.e., not evaporate or condense). Alternatively, evaporative cooling processes may utilize heat transfer fluids as well.

A heat source may be defined as any space, location, object or body from which it is desirable to transfer, move or remove heat. Examples of heat sources may be spaces (open or enclosed) requiring refrigeration or cooling, such as refrigerator or freezer cases in a supermarket, building spaces requiring air-conditioning, or the passenger compartment of an automobile requiring air-conditioning. A heat sink may be defined as any space, location, object or body capable of absorbing heat. A vapor compression refrigeration system is one example of such a heat sink.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Performance Data

Table 7 shows refrigeration performance, as pressure in the evaporator (Evap) and condenser (Cond), discharge temperature (Disch T), energy efficiency (COP), and capacity (Cap), for compounds of the present invention as compared to CFC-113, HFC-43-10mee, C₄F₉OCH₃, and HFC-365mfc. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.) Condenser temperature 110.0° F. (43.3° C.) Subcool temperature 10.0° F. (5.5° C.) Return gas temperature 75.0° F. (23.8° C.) Compressor efficiency is 70%

TABLE 7 Comp Comp Evap Evap Cond Cond Disch Disch Cap Pres Pres Pres Pres T T (Btu/ Cap Compound (Psia) (kPa) (Psia) (kPa) (° F.) (° C.) COP min) (kW) CFC-113 2.7 18.6 12.8 88.3 156.3 69.1 4.18 14.8 0.26 HFC-43-10mee 2.0 13.4 10.4 71.9 132.8 56.0 3.94 12.2 0.21 C₄F₉OCH₃ 1.5 10.1 8.3 57.0 131.3 55.2 3.93 9.5 0.17 HFC-365mfc 3.6 25.1 16.3 112.1 146.3 63.5 4.11 21.4 0.38 1,1,1,3,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-4- 2.1 14.4 10.7 71.9 127.1 52.8 3.83 12.3 0.24 (trifluoromethyl)-2-butene ((HFC-152-11mmyyz) 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2- 2.0 13.4 10.4 71.9 127.3 52.9 3.83 11.8 0.23 (trifluoromethyl)-2-pentene (HFC-152-11mmtz) 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,6,6,6- 2.5 17.3 12.3 85.1 121.8 49.9 3.69 13.8 0.24 dodecafluoro-3-hexene (FC-151-12mcy) 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoro-2-butene 2.5 17.4 11.6 80.1 162.0 72.2 4.25 15.9 0.28 (HFC-1354mzy) 1,1,1 ,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2,3- 2.0 13.5 10.0 69.2 122.7 50.4 3.73 11.2 0.20 bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-butene (FC-151-12mmtt) 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6- 2.1 14.4 10.6 72.9 126.7 52.6 3.84 12.3 0.22 decafluorocyclohexene (FC-C151-10y) 3,3,4,4,5,5,5-heptafluoro-2- 2.0 14.1 9.9 68.5 130.0 54.4 3.92 12.0 0.21 methyl-1-pentene (HFC-1567fts) 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro- 1.6 11.0 8.6 59.4 130.7 54.8 3.92 10.0 0.18 1-hexene (PFBE) 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-2- 1.3 9.2 7.4 51.3 137.8 58.8 4.04 8.9 0.16 hexene (HFC-1567szz) 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-decafluoro- 2.0 13.7 10.7 73.8 131.1 55.1 3.90 12.4 0.22 2-hexene (F13E) 1,1,1,2,3,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro- 2.5 17.3 12.3 85.1 121.8 49.9 3.69 13.8 0.24 4-(trifluoromethyl)-2- pentene (FC-151-12mmzz) 2.4 16.6 12.6 86.7 128.0 53.3 3.83 14.4 0.25 1,1,1,2,2,5,5,6,6,6- decafluoro-3-hexene (F22E)

Example 2 Performance Data

Table 8 shows refrigeration performance, as pressure in the evaporator (Evap) and condenser (Cond), discharge temperature (Disch T), energy efficiency (COP), and capacity (Gap), for compounds of the present invention as compared to CFC-11 and HGFG-123. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.) Condenser temperature 110.0° F. (43.3° C.) Subcool temperature 10.0° F. (5.5° C.) Return gas temperature 75.0° F. (23.8° C.) Compressor efficiency is 70%

TABLE 8 Comp Comp Evap Evap Cond Cond Disch Disch Cap Pres Pres Pres Pres T T (Btu/ Cap Compound (Psia) (kPa) (Psia) (kPa) (° F.) (° C.) COP min) (kW) CFC-11 7.1 49.0 28.0 192.8 190.5 88.1 4.29 41.1 0.72 HCFC-123 5.8 40.3 25.0 172.4 174.2 79.0 4.25 35.2 0.62 1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5- 6.0 41.6 25.3 174.6 131.7 55.4 3.87 31.6 0.55 octafluorocyclopentene (FC-C1418y) 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5- 7.5 51.8 30.0 206.6 124.9 51.6 3.66 35.3 0.62 decafluoro-2-pentene (FC-141-10myy) 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,5- 5.5 37.9 23.7 163.1 132.0 55.6 3.85 29.0 0.51 nonafluoro-2-pentene (HFC-1429myz) 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5- 5.5 37.9 23.7 163.1 132.0 55.6 3.85 29.0 0.51 nonafluoro-2-pentene (HFC-1429mzy) 3,3,4,4,5,5,5- 5.4 37.0 23.1 159.3 135.3 57.4 3.92 29.0 0.51 heptafluoro-1-pentene (HFC-1447fz) 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro- 4.7 32.3 20.8 143.4 150.1 65.6 4.11 27.5 0.48 2-butene (F11E) 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro- 4.8 33.0 21.0 144.9 132.6 55.9 3.88 25.9 0.45 2-(trifluoromethyl)-2- butene (HFC-1429mzt) 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5- 5.5 37.9 24.4 168.0 137.0 58.3 3.93 30.6 0.54 octafluoro-2-pentene (F12E)

Example 3 Performance Data

Table 9 shows refrigeration performance, as pressure in the evaporator (Evap) and condenser (Cond), discharge temperature (Disch T), energy efficiency (COP), and capacity (Cap), for compounds of the present invention as compared to HFC-245fa. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.) Condenser temperature 110.0° F. (43.3° C.) Subcool temperature 10.0° F. (5.5° C.) Return gas temperature 75.0° F. (23.8° C.) Compressor efficiency is 70%

TABLE 9 Comp Comp Evap Evap Cond Cond Disch Disch Cap Pres Pres Pres Pres T T (Btu/ Cap Compound (Psia) (kPa) (Psia) (kPa) (° F.) (° C.) COP min) (kW) HFC- 245fa 10.0 68.8 38.9 268.5 156.7 69.3 4.10 53.3 0.93 2,3,3-trifluoropropene 12.6 87.1 45.4 313.0 172.8 78.2 4.19 65.6 1.15 (HFC-1243yf) 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro- 12.5 85.9 47.5 327.4 148.8 64.9 3.99 62.8 1.10 2-butene (F11E) 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene 12.1 83.4 45.8 315.6 178.8 81.6 4.19 65.6 1.15 (HFC-1234ze) 1,1,1,2,4,4,4-heptafluoro- 10.5 72.5 39.9 275.0 142.3 61.3 3.94 52.0 0.91 2-butene (HFC-1327my) 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene 9.6 66.3 36.9 254.6 176.9 80.5 4.21 53.0 0.93 (HFC-1234ye) pentafluoroethyl 13.1 90.4 49.3 339.8 130.7 54.8 3.69 59.3 1.04 trifluorovinyl ether (PEVE)

Example 4 Performance Data

Table 10 shows refrigeration performance, as pressure in the evaporator (Evap) and condenser (Cond), discharge temperature (Disch T), energy efficiency (COP), and capacity (Cap), for compounds of the present invention as compared to CFC-114 and HFC-236fa. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.) Condenser temperature 110.0° F. (43.3° C.) Subcool temperature 10.0° F. (5.5° C.) Return gas temperature 75.0° F. (23.8° C.) Compressor efficiency is 70%

TABLE 10 Comp Comp Evap Evap Cond Cond Disch Disch Cap Pres Pres Pres Pres T T (Btu/ Cap Compound (Psia) (kPa) (Psia) (kPa) (° F.) (° C.) COP min) (kW) CFC-114 15.4 106.5 54.3 374.2 147.2 64.0 3.97 72.9 1.28 HFC-236fa 18.2 125.8 64.2 442.6 142.8 61.6 3.86 82.9 1.45 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluoro- 17.2 118.8 59.1 407.4 131.8 55.4 3.68 72.1 1.26 2-butene (FC-1318my) 1,2,3,3,4,4- 16.5 113.5 58.8 405.4 141.1 60.6 3.90 76.6 1.34 hexafluorocyclobutene (FC-C1316cc) 2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1- 14.2 98.2 50.2 346.3 139.4 59.7 3.88 65.3 1.14 butene (HFC-1336yf) 3,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-1- 14.8 101.8 53.5 368.5 145.5 63.1 3.95 70.7 1.24 butene (HFC-1345fz)

Example 5 Performance Data

Table 11 shows refrigeration performance, as pressure in the evaporator (Evap) and condenser (Cond), discharge temperature (Disch T), energy efficiency (COP), and capacity (Cap), for compounds of the present invention as compared to HFC-134a, HFC-152a, and HFC-227ea. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.) Condenser temperature 110.0° F. (43.3° C.) Subcool temperature 10.0° F. (5.5° C.) Return gas temperature 75.0° F. (23.8° C.) Compressor efficiency is 70%

TABLE 11 Comp Comp Evap Evap Cond Cond Disch Disch Cap Pres Pres Pres Pres T T (Btu/ Cap Compound (Psia) (kPa) (Psia) (kPa) (° F.) (° C.) COP min) (kW) HFC-134a 49.6 341.6 161.2 1111.4 168.9 76.1 3.86 213.3 3.73 HFC-152a 46.2 318.8 146.5 1009.9 200.1 93.4 4.02 209.4 3.67 HFC-227ea 32.3 222.7 105.5 727.4 142.9 61.6 3.67 129.3 2.26 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene 47.4 326.7 139.6 962.2 154.8 68.2 3.79 180.5 3.16 (HFC-1234yf) 3,3,3-trifluoropropene 39.0 268.8 122.0 841.0 166.2 74.6 3.95 166.3 2.91 (HFC-1243zf) 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene 36.1 248.9 112.9 778.4 157.8 69.9 3.86 148.9 2.61 (HFC-1225ye) E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene 35.5 245.0 115.1 793.9 162.4 72.4 3.90 153.8 2.69 (E-HFC-1234ze) trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl 39.3 271.1 124.0 855.2 140.9 60.5 3.57 147.6 2.58 ether (PMVE)

Example 6 Flammability

Flammable compounds may be identified by testing under ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) E681-01, with an electronic ignition source. Such tests of flammability were conducted on compositions of the present disclosure at 101 kPa (14.7 psia), 50 percent relative humidity, and the temperature indicated, at various concentrations in air in order to determine if flammable and if so, find the lower flammability limit (LFL). The results are given in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Temperature LFL (vol % Composition (° C.) in air) HFC-1225ye 100 Non-flammable HFC-1234yf 100 5.0 E-HFC-1234ze 100 6.0 HFC-1429myz/mzy 23 Non-flammable F12E 23 Non-flammable HFC-1225ye/HFC- 60 Non-flammable 32 (65/35 wt %) HFC-1225ye/HFC- 60 Non-flammable 32 (63/37 wt %) HFC-1225ye/HFC- 60 13.0 32 (62/38 wt %) HFC-1225ye/HFC- 60 13.0 32 (60/40 wt %)

The results indicate that HFC-1234yf and E-HFC-1234ze are flammable, while HFC-1225ye, HFC-1429myz/mzy, and F12E are non-flammable. For mixtures of HFC-1225ye and HFC-32 (which is known to be flammable in the pure state) it has been determined that 37 weight percent HFC-32 is the highest amount that can be present to maintain the non-flammable characteristic. Those compositions comprising fluoroolefins that are non-flammable are more acceptable candidates as refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions.

Example 7 Tip Speed to Develop Pressure

Tip speed can be estimated by making some fundamental relationships for refrigeration equipment that use centrifugal compressors.

The torque an impeller ideally imparts to a gas is defined as

T=m*(v ₂ *r ₂ −v ₁ *r ₁)  Equation 1

where

-   -   T=torque, Newton-meters     -   m=mass rate of flow, kg/sec     -   v₂=tangential velocity of refrigerant leaving impeller (tip         speed), meters/sec     -   r₂=radius of exit impeller, meters     -   v₁=tangential velocity of refrigerant entering impeller,         meters/sec     -   r₁=radius of inlet of impeller, meters

Assuming the refrigerant enters the impeller in an essentially axial direction, the tangential component of the velocity v₁=0, therefore

T=m*v ₂ *r ₂  Equation 2

The power required at the shaft is the product of the torque and the rotative speed

P=T*ω  Equation 3

where

-   -   P=power, W     -   ω=angular velocity, radians/s         therefore,

P=T*w=m*v ₂ *r ₂*ω  Equation 4

At low refrigerant flow rates, the tip speed of the impeller and the tangential velocity of the refrigerant are nearly identical; therefore

r ₂ *ω=v ₂  Equation 5

and

P=m*v ₂ *v ₂  Equation 6

Another expression for ideal power is the product of the mass rate of flow and the isentropic work of compression,

P=m*H _(i)*(1000 J/kJ)  Equation 7

where

H_(i)=Difference in enthalpy of the refrigerant from a saturated vapor at the evaporating conditions to saturated condensing conditions, kJ/kg.

Combining the two expressions Equation 6 and 7 produces,

v ₂ *v ₂=1000*H _(i)  Equation 8

Although Equation 8 is based on some fundamental assumptions, it provides a good estimate of the tip speed of the impeller and provides an important way to compare tip speeds of refrigerants.

Table 13 below shows theoretical tip speeds that are calculated for 1,2,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (CFC-113) and compositions of the present invention. The conditions assumed for this comparison are:

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.) Condenser temperature 110.0° F. (43.3° C.) Liquid subcool temperature 10.0° F. (5.5° C.) Return gas temperature 75.0° F. (23.8° C.) Compressor efficiency is 70%

These are typical conditions under which small turbine centrifugal compressors perform.

TABLE 13 Tip speed Tip speed Hi Hi*0.7 Hi*0.7 (V2) relative Compound Btu/lb Btu/lb KJ/Kg m/s to CFC-113 CFC-113 10.92 7.6 17.8 133.3 n/a HFC-152-11mmyyz 11.56 8.1 18.8 137.2 103% FC-151-12mcy 11.86 8.3 19.3 139.0 104% HFC-1354mzy 13.96 9.8 22.7 150.8 113% FC-151-12mmtt 11.93 8.4 19.4 139.4 105% FC-C151-10y 12.48 8.7 20.3 142.5 107% HFC-1567fm 14.21 9.9 23.1 152.1 114% PFBE 12.8 9.0 20.8 144.4 108% HFC-1567szz 13.42 9.4 21.9 147.8 111% HFC-1438mzz 11.73 8.2 19.1 138.2 104% FC-151-12mmzz 11.86 8.3 19.3 139.0 104% HFC-153-10mczz 12.23 8.6 19.9 141.1 106%

The example shows that compounds of the present invention have tip speeds within about 15 percent of CFC-113 and would be effective replacements for CFC-113 with minimal compressor design changes. Most preferred compositions have tip speeds within about 10 percent of CFC-113.

Example 8 Refrigeration Performance Data

Table 14 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions of the present invention as compared to HFC-134a. In Table 14, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, COP is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.) Condenser temperature 130.0° F. (54.4° C.) Subcool amount 10.0° F. (5.5° C.) Return gas temperature 60.0° F. (15.6° C.) Compressor efficiency is 100%

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.) Condenser temperature 130.0° F. (54.4° C.) Subcool amount 10.0° F. (5.5° C.) Return gas temperature 60.0° F. (15.6° C.) Compressor efficiency is 100% Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity.

TABLE 14 Comp Comp Evap Evap Cond Cond Disch Disch Cap Pres Pres Pres Pres T T (Btu/ Cap Composition (wt %) (Psia) (kPa) (Psia) (kPa) (° F.) (° C.) min) (kW) COP HFC-134a 50.3 346 214 1476 156 68.9 213 3.73 4.41 HFC-1225ye 37.6 259 165 1138 146 63.3 162 2.84 4.41 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a 39.8 274 173 1193 151 66.1 173 3.03 4.45 (85/15) HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 43.1 297 184 1269 149 65.0 186 3.26 4.50 (97/3) HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (96/4) 44.2 305 189 1303 150 65.6 191 3.35 4.51 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 46.5 321 197 1358 151 66.1 200 3.50 4.53 (95/5) HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (94/6) 47.3 326 200 1379 153 67.2 203 3.56 4.52 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (93/7) 48.8 336 205 1413 154 67.8 210 3.68 4.53 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (90/10) 53.0 365 222 1531 157 69.4 227 3.98 4.52 HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye 40.8 281 172 1186 148 64.4 170 2.97 4.39 (40/60) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye 41.8 288 174 1200 149 65.0 172 3.02 4.37 (50/50) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye 42.9 296 177 1220 149 65.0 175 3.07 4.36 (60/40) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye 44.1 304 180 1241 150 65.6 178 3.12 4.35 (70/30) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 42.7 294 179 1234 148 64.4 176 3.09 4.38 HFC-125 (40/56/4) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 43.7 301 181 1248 149 65.0 179 3.13 4.37 HFC-125 (50/46/4) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 44.8 309 184 1269 149 65.0 182 3.18 4.36 HFC-125 (60/36/4) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 49.9 344 201 1386 153 67.2 202 3.54 4.40 HFC-125 (70/26/4) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 48.4 334 199 1372 153 67.2 202 3.54 4.47 HFC-32 (40/55/5) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 45.6 314 189 1303 151 66.1 190 3.33 4.44 HFC-32 (42/55/3) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 50.3 347 203 1400 154 67.8 206 3.60 4.43 HFC-32 (60/35/5) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 47.7 329 194 1338 152 66.7 195 3.41 4.41 HFC-32 (62/35/3) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 44.2 305 184 1269 149 65.0 183 3.21 4.41 HFC-125/HFC-32 (40/55/4/1) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 45.3 312 188 1296 150 65.6 188 3.29 4.42 HFC-125/HFC-32 (40/55/3/2) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 46.3 319 189 1303 150 65.6 188 3.29 4.37 HFC-125/HFC-32 (60/35/4/1) HFC-1243zf/HFC-1225ye/ 47.3 326 193 1331 151 66.1 192 3.37 4.39 HFC-125/HFC-32 (60/35/3/2)

Several compositions have even higher energy efficiency (COP) than HFC-134a while maintaining lower or equivalent discharge pressures and temperatures. Capacity for the compositions listed in Table 14 is also similar to R134a indicating these compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R134a in refrigeration and air-conditioning, and in mobile air-conditioning applications in particular. Results also show cooling capacity of HFC-1225ye can be improved with addition of other compounds such as HFC-32.

Example 9 Refrigeration Performance Data

Table 15 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions of the present invention as compared to R404A and R422A. In Table 15, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, EER is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature −17.8° C. Condenser temperature  46.1° C. Subcool amount  5.5° C. Return gas temperature  15.6° C. Compressor efficiency is 70% Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity.

TABLE 15 Evap Cond P Compr Press Press Disch T CAP Existing Refrigerant Product (kPa)) (kPa) (° C.) (kJ/m3) EER R22 267 1774 144 1697 4.99 R404A 330 2103 101.1 1769 4.64 R507A 342 2151 100.3 1801 4.61 R422A 324 2124 95.0 1699 4.54 Candidate Replacement wt % HFC-32/HFC-1225ye 20/80 200 1620 117 1331 4.91 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye 30/70 246 1879 126 1587 4.85 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye 40/60 284 2101 134 1788 4.74 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye 35/65 256 1948 130.5 1652 4.85 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye 37/63 264 1991 132.2 1694 4.81 HFC-32/HFC-125/ 10/10/80 173 1435 107.0 1159 4.97 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 15/5.5/79.5 184 1509 111.9 1235 4.97 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 24/13.7/62.3 242 1851 119.7 1544 4.85 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 25/25/50 276 2041 120.0 1689 4.73 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 25/40/35 314 2217 119.0 1840 4.66 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 27.5/17.5/55 264 1980 122.8 1653 4.78 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 30/10/60 265 1990 125.0 1664 4.78 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 30/15/55 276 2046 125.0 1710 4.76 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 30/19/51 278 2056 124.8 1724 4.75 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 30/20/50 287 2102 124.0 1757 4.73 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 30/30/40 311 2218 124.0 1855 4.68 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 30/35/35 324 2271 123.0 1906 4.66 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 31/20/49 285 2090 125.5 1756 4.74 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 33/22/45 298 2157 127.0 1820 4.72 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 35/15/50 296 2157 129.0 1820 4.72 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 35/20/45 308 2212 129.0 1868 4.70 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 35/30/35 332 2321 127.0 1968 4.66 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 35/40/25 357 2424 126.0 2068 4.64 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 50/30/20 390 2584 138.0 2277 4.54 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 40/30/30 353 2418 131.0 2077 4.66 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 40/35/25 364 2465 131.0 2124 4.64 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 45/30/25 372 2505 135.0 2180 4.66 HFC-1225ye

Several compositions have energy efficiency (EER) comparable top R404A and R422A. Discharge temperatures are also lower than R404A and R507A. Capacity for the compositions listed in Table 15 is also similar to R404A, R507A, and R422A indicating these compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R404A, R507A, or R422A in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Example 10 Refrigeration Performance Data

Table 16 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions of the present invention as compared to HCFC-22 and R410A. In Table 16, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, EER is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature  4° C. Condenser temperature 43° C. Subcool amount  6° C. Return gas temperature 18° C. Compressor efficiency is 70% Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity.

TABLE 16 Compr Evap Cond Disch Press Press Temp CAP Existing refrigerant product (kPa) (kPa) (C.) (kJ/m3) EER R22 565 1648 90.9 3808 9.97 R410A 900 2571 88.1 5488 9.27 Candidate replacement product (Composition wt %) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (40/60) 630 1948 86.7 4242 9.56 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (45/55) 666 2041 88.9 4445 9.49 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (50/50) 701 2127 91.0 4640 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (30/70) 536 1700 82.1 3729 9.73 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (35/65) 575 1805 84.5 3956 9.66 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (37/63) 590 1845 85.5 4043 9.64 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 784 2323 94.6 5087 9.42 (60/5/35) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 803 2365 94.2 5173 9.42 (60/10/30) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 822 2407 93.9 5256 9.39 (60/15/25) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 742 2220 90.3 4820 9.42 (50/10/40) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 721 2173 90.7 4730 9.45 (50/5/45) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 762 2266 90.0 4911 9.42 (50/15/35) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 692 2097 85.9 4518 9.45 (40/15/45) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 671 2047 86.2 4425 9.49 (40/10/50) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 654 2001 83.8 4304 9.49 (35/15/50) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 643 1976 85.2 4287 9.54 (37.5/11.5/51) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 593 1848 83.8 4028 9.62 (34/6/60) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 548 1732 82.0 3788 9.70 (30/3/67) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 590 1837 81.7 3980 9.60 (30/12.7/57.3) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 544 1715 78.7 3713 9.66 (24/13.7/62.3) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 471 1522 76.9 3329 9.82 (20/5/75) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 427 1398 74.1 3061 9.89 (15/5.5/79.5) Compositions have energy efficiency (EER) comparable to R22 and R410A while maintaining reasonable discharge temperatures. Capacity for certain compositions listed in Table 16 is also similar to R22 indicating these compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R22 in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Additionally, there are compositions listed in Table 16 with capacity approaching or equivalent to that for R410A indicating that those compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R410A in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Example 11 Refrigeration Performance Data

Table 17 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions of the present invention as compared to HCFC-22, R410A, R407C, and R417A. In Table 17, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, EER is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature  4.4° C. Condenser temperature 54.4° C. Subcool amount  5.5° C. Return gas temperature 15.6° C. Compressor efficiency is 100% Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity.

TABLE 17 Evap Cond Compr CAP Existing Refrigerant Press Press Disch T (kJ/ Product (kPa)) (kPa) (° C.) m³) EER R22 573 2149 88.6 3494 14.73 R410A 911 3343 89.1 4787 13.07 R407C 567 2309 80.0 3397 14.06 R417A 494 1979 67.8 2768 13.78 Candidate Replacement wt % HFC-32/HFC-125/ 30/40/30 732 2823 81.1 3937 13.20 HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/ 23/25/52 598 2429 78.0 3409 13.54 HFC-1225ye

Compositions have energy efficiency (EER) comparable to R22, R407C, R417A, and R410A while maintaining low discharge temperatures. Capacity for the compositions listed in Table 17 is also similar to R22, R407C and R417A indicating these compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R22, R407C or R417A in refrigeration and air-conditioning. 

1-87. (canceled)
 88. A composition comprising: (i) at least one fluoroolefin compound; and (ii) at least one refrigerant; wherein said fluoroolefin has the formula E- or Z—R¹CH═CHR², wherein R¹ and R² are each a C₁ perfluoroalkyl group; and wherein said refrigerant is 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFC-1234ze).
 89. The composition of claim 88 wherein the composition comprises the E-isomer of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene.
 90. The composition of claim 88 wherein the composition comprises the Z-isomer of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene.
 91. A method for replacing the use of a high global warming potential refrigerant, said method comprising: providing the composition of claim 88 in refrigeration, air conditioning, or heat pump apparatus in place of, or in combination with, a high global warming potential refrigerant in said apparatus.
 92. A method of using the composition of claim 88 to lower global warming potential of an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition, said method comprising combining said original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition with the composition of claim 88, to produce a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition wherein said second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition has a lower global warming potential than said original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition.
 93. The method of claim 92 wherein said original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant.
 94. The method of claim 93 wherein said hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant is selected from the group CHF₃ (HFC-23), CH₂F₂ (HFC-32), CH₃F (HFC-41), CHF₂CF₃ (HFC-125), CHF₂CHF₂ (HFC-134), CH₂FCF₃ (HFC-134a), CHF₂CH₂F (HFC143), CF₃CH₃ (HFC-143a), CHF₂CH₃ (HFC-152a), CH₂FCH₃ (HFC-161), CHF₂CF₂CF₃ (HFC-227ca), CF₃CFHCF₃ (HFC-227ea), CHF₂CF₂CHF₂ (HFC-236ca), CH₂FCF₂CF₃ (HFC-236cb), CHF₂CHFCF₃ (HFC-236ea), CF₃CH₂CF₃ (HFC-236fa), CH₂FCF₂CHF₂ (HFC-245ca), CH₃CF₂CF₃ (HFC-245cb), CHF₂CHFCHF₂ (HFC-245ea), CH₂FCHFCF₃ (HFC-245eb), CHF₂CH₂CF₃ (HFC-245fa), CH₂FCF₂CH₂F (HFC-254ca), CH₃CF₂CHF₂ (HFC-254cb), CH₂FCHFCHF₂ (HFC-254ea), CH₃CHFCF₃ (HFC-254eb), CHF₂CH₂CHF₂ (HFC-254fa), CH₂FCH₂CF₃ (HFC-254fb), CF₃CH₂CH₃ (HFC-263fb), CH₃CF₂CH₂F (HFC-263ca), CH₃CF₂CH₃ (HFC-272ca), CH₃CHFCH₂F (HFC-272ea), CH₂FCH₂CH₂F (HFC-272fa), CH₃CH₂CF₂H (HFC-272fb), CH₃CHFCH₃ (HFC-281ea), CH₃CH₂CH₂F (HFC-281fa), CHF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂H (HFC-338pcc), CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃ (HFC-365mfc), and CF₃CHFCHFCF₂CF₃ (HFC-43-10mee).
 95. A method for reducing the GWP of an original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition in a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus, wherein said original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid has a GWP of about 150 or higher; said method comprising introducing a second, lower GWP refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition of claim 88 into said refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus.
 96. A method of claim 95 further comprising removing the original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition from said refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus before the second, lower GWP refrigerant or heat transfer fluid is introduced.
 97. The method of claim 95 said original refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition is selected from the group consisting of: (i) 1,1-difluoroethane (R152a) and wherein said R152a is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (ii) 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R227ea) and wherein said R227ea is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (iii) fluorotrichloromethane (R11) and wherein said R11 is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (iv) 2,2,-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R123) and wherein said R123 is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (v) 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R245fa) and wherein said R245fa is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (vi) R401A and wherein said R401A is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (vii) R401B and wherein said R401B is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (viii) R409A and wherein said R409A is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (ix) R409B and wherein said R409B is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; (x) R414B and wherein said R414B is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim 89; and (xi) R416A and wherein said R416A is substituted by a second refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the composition of claim
 89. 98. A method of using a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition in refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising introducing said composition into said apparatus having (a) centrifugal compressor; (b) multi-stage centrifugal compressor, or (c) single slab/single pass heat exchanger; wherein said refrigerant or heat transfer composition is employed in said apparatus to result in heating or cooling; and wherein said refrigerant or heat transfer composition is the composition of claim
 88. 